ICDP:Dispatch

More Lies About Health Care Reform

2011-02-02T17:55:00.000-05:00

(This is a letter to the Editor of The Morning Sun)

Health care insurance companies are excited that Representative Dave Camp and his Republican colleagues voted to repeal the new Health Care law. This law tells insurance companies that they cannot deny coverage for children with pre-existing conditions, and they cannot impose lifetime limits on coverage. They also have to allow adult children to stay on their parents’ health plans up to age 26, and Medicare recipients can have a number of preventive and well-care services without being charged a deductible, co-pay, or coinsurance.

If you or a family member falls under any of these categories, Dave Camp and the insurance companies are glad to tell you that you will no longer be covered if they are successful in repealing health care reform. And now that the Senate has decided to debate repeal, there is the possibility that it might pass there too.

As part of the insurance companies‘ efforts to rally the anti-reform troops, a document supposedly written by a judge in Texas is being re-circulated. The Judge was looking at HB 3200– the “Care Bill,“ and highlighted a number of sections that, frankly, look pretty scary.

The folk who are circulating the document don’t want you to know that it is NOT the law that finally was approved. The document the Judge marked up was just a draft of the law that was obsolete by the summer of 2009. H.R. 3962 was the number of the bill that became law, and it was titled “Affordable Health Care for America Act.”

The Better Business Bureau had a catchphrase to alert the public to shady business practices: “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.“ When it comes to politics, the reverse is true: “If it sounds too bad to be true, it usually is.” The Judge and the folk who are circulating the latest batch of distortions prove the point.

Effects of Health Care Reform Are Now

2010-07-08T21:21:00.002-04:00

There are a lot of distortions and outright lies floating around about health care reform. but President Obama's folk are working hard to get the word out that there are big changes happening right now. Read the Patient's Bill of Rights–you can find a copy here–download it, and share it with your neighbors.

The Tea Party continues to circulate a petition to have Michigan "opt out" of health care reform, and they are spreading distortions and lies about the reform. Please DO NOT sign any petition like this, but instead have your own copy of the Patient's Bill of Rights to set the record straight.

I recently heard that people who are circulating the petition are telling folk that Muslims and Amish can opt out and not be penalized. False

The "Muslim" connection is based on the lie that Obama is really a Muslim who is somehow in league with Al Qaeda because he is really not an American but a Kenyan. Some of our fellow citizens have been spending far too much time basking in the electromagnetic waves coming from the Fox network, and their ability to tell fact from fantasy has been all but eliminated.

Some religions might decide not to participate in the health care reform, and under Article 1 of the Constitution, they can decline to be included. However, the government cannot favor any religious group over another, so the claim that Muslims and Amish are automatically excluded is false.

Curiously, the people who are spreading this particular piece of misinformation would be the first to say that this is a Christian nation, and therefore there should be no separation between church and state. So the government should be able to include or exclude any denomination it wishes. This is twisted logic at its finest.

One other thing they seem to have forgotten. Isn't there something in their holy book that says "Thou shalt not bear false witness?" I think that has something to do with lying, doesn't it?

Plato Got It Right: Politics Matter-A Thought for the Fourth of July

2010-07-03T23:22:00.000-04:00

"The penalty good people pay for not being involved in politics is being governed by people worse that them." Plato

Whether or not Plato actually wrote this is open to dispute, but the idea is true and relevant. Almost 250 years of our experiment in democracy have passed, and our country continues to write the book on whether or not the experiment will survive the next generation.

I was one of the masses who ignored politics for most of the middle decades of my life. I was too busy, too indifferent, too laissez-faire about our political system to be involved with politics. The first decade of the 21st century was a wake-up call to action, however, and a time of revelation for me: everything is political. Laws that have been settled for decades can be overturned; social and civil understandings can be changed with the stroke of a pen. The origin of the word "idiot" was in ancient Athens, and referred to a person who did not take part of the political life of the city-state. Such a person was viewed as being dishonorable. I, like many of my fellow citizens, was acting like an idiot.

This July 4th will see celebrations of the birth of our nation. Flags will be waved, bands will march, politicians will speak about patriotism and honoring veterans, and then, after the fireworks have ended, people will return to their homes and give little thought to what we are celebrating. Meanwhile, cynical politicians are playing to our fellow citizens' lack of historical perspective. Some religious leaders are happy to distort the intentions of our nation's founders, and they are benefiting from the animosity that ignorance generates. Our representatives, besieged by lobbyists, are corrupted by the influence of money in national elections. Racism, which has seldom been far below the surface, is alive and well. It pollutes our national dialogue and further divides the strata of society and cultures.

We are going through a time of great testing of the American soul, and this celebration of our Declaration of Independence can be just another forgotten holiday, or, better, a time to look at ourselves as a nation and consider what we have become and what we wish to become. But change will not happen until we come to understand that we are a nation ruled by laws by common consent, and laws are written by our representatives who are elected by those who have actually taken the time to involve themselves in the political process. We must realize that if we truly want to make our nation better for all of our fellow citizens, we must, as a nation, stop acting like idiots.

War and Memory

2010-05-29T15:20:00.002-04:00

Memorial Day, 1970: I was soldier in Vietnam. By 1970, almost 48,000 American soldiers had been killed. Anti-war protests were wide-spread and growing in number as the protesters were attempting to wake up the nation and stop the war.

Memorial Day, 2010: 4404 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq; 1000 Americans have died in Afghanistan. And the nation sleeps.

This Memorial Day, politicians across the country will spout words about heroes, sacrifice, and patriotism, then return to their divisive partisan politics while the American occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan continues on its bloody way. This Memorial Day will be just another way for businesses to lure shoppers into their stores for “Memorial Day discounts.” Some will advertise discounts in “honor” of those who have given their lives. How does shopping “honor” a soldier? As soldiers in Afghanistan have said “We’re fighting a war while America is at the mall.”

The root of “memorial” means “memory,” and “preserving remembrance.” It is right and fitting that we celebrate those who fight, and have fought, for our nation. But if Memorial Day is only a momentary look at our past, then it is worth little. If the celebrations do not cause us to consider, and question, the actions of our government and how our soldiers are currently being used, then they mean no more than the smoke that disappears in the aftermath of an IED explosion.

“So,” you might ask, “what is the best way to support the troops?” Do what you can to first rouse yourself, then wake up our sleeping nation. Must we be fighting an endless war (as the Bush administration liked to call it)? How many more of our sons and daughters in uniform must die before, as in Vietnam, we say “enough” and withdraw our troops?

I believe the best way to support our troops is to bring them home. But whatever your answer might be, don’t forget them or their families now or after they come home. Coming home is hard. A soldier returning from a war zone faces tensions and conflicts as he or she tries to move back into civilian life. But the new veteran has to learn that there is no going back; war changes those who fight, and life changes those who wait for the soldier’s return.

What Dave Camp Voted No On in Health Care Insurance Reform

2010-05-21T15:44:00.000-04:00

Representative Dave Camp. The Dave Camp who voted for every budget, every unfunded "emergency appropriation" to support the war that George Bush asked for, the same Dave Camp who enabled Bush to leave a deficit for fiscal 2009 of $1.4 trillion, yes, that Dave Camp was so upset about Obama increasing the deficit that he declared that health care reform was the wrong reform at the wrong time because...because...it would cost too much.

Here is what Dave Camp voted "no" on (courtesy of MoveOn.org):

1. Once reform is fully implemented, over 95% of Americans will have health insurance coverage, including 32 million who are currently uninsured.²

2. Health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny people coverage because of preexisting conditions—or to drop coverage when people become sick.³

3. Just like members of Congress, individuals and small businesses who can't afford to purchase insurance on their own will be able to pool together and choose from a variety of competing plans with lower premiums.⁴

4. Reform will cut the federal budget deficit by $138 billion over the next ten years, and a whopping $1.2 trillion in the following ten years.⁵

5. Health care will be more affordable for families and small businesses thanks to new tax credits, subsidies, and other assistance—paid for largely by taxing insurance companies, drug companies, and the very wealthiest Americans.⁶

6. Seniors on Medicare will pay less for their prescription drugs because the legislation closes the "donut hole" gap in existing coverage.⁷

7. By reducing health care costs for employers, reform will create or save more than 2.5 million jobs over the next decade.⁸

8. Medicaid will be expanded to offer health insurance coverage to an additional 16 million low-income people.⁹

9. Instead of losing coverage after they leave home or graduate from college, young adults will be able to remain on their families' insurance plans until age 26.¹⁰

10. Community health centers would receive an additional $11 billion, doubling the number of patients who can be treated regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.¹¹

Sources:

1. Final vote results on motion to concur in Senate amendments to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, March 21, 2010
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll165.xml

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11. "Affordable Health Care for America: Summary," House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 18, 2010
http://wwwd.house.gov/akamaidocs/energycommerce/SUMMARY.pdf

4. "Insurance Companies Prosper, Families Suffer: Our Broken Health Insurance System," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Accessed March 22, 2010
http://healthreform.gov/reports/insuranceprospers/index.html

5. "Affordable Health Care for America: Health Insurance Reform at a Glance: Revenue Provisions," House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 18, 2010
http://wwwd.house.gov/akamaidocs/energycommerce/REVENUE.pdf

8. "New Jobs Through Better Health Care," Center for American Progress, January 8, 2010

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87402&id=19503-11442555-8lGQUIx&t=2

9, 10. "Proposed Changes in the Final Health Care Bill," The New York Times, March 22, 2010

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87403&id=19503-11442555-8lGQUIx&t=3

11. "Affordable Health Care for America: Health Insurance Reform at a Glance: Addressing Health and Health Care Disparities," House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 20, 2010
http://docs.house.gov/energycommerce/DISPARITIES.pdf

GOP inciting and supporting hate

2010-03-30T11:10:00.000-04:00

from colorofchange.org

Just over a week ago, Tea Party protestors hurled racial and homophobic slurs and spat at members of Congress.¹ That was followed by a rash of vandalism and death threats targeting Democratic members of Congress.²

Republicans have done almost nothing to tamp down this dangerous atmosphere and have even egged the protesters on. And when the Republican National Committee was asked to endorse a bi-partisan “civility” statement that would send a message to the protesters, they refused.³

It's time to demand that Republican leaders stop turning a blind eye to violence and hate before it gets out of control and someone gets hurt. Please click below to add your voice, and please ask your friends and family to do the same:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/126?id=2189-851580&akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=4

Since the passage of health care reform last week, at least 10 members of Congress have received threats and requested additional police presence.⁴ Windows and doors were smashed at several representatives' offices, and a gas line was cut at what vandals thought was the house of Congressman Tom Perriello.⁵ One office had to be evacuated when it received a threatening letter filled with an unidentified white powder.⁶

Meanwhile, some Republicans have tried to justify the vandalism or blame Democrats for inviting it on themselves,^7,8 and others have escalated their use of violent rhetoric. Sarah Palin told her supporters "Don't Retreat, Instead - RELOAD!", and published a map with cross-hairs over the districts of some Democrats who voted for health care reform.⁹ RNC Chairman Michael Steele said "let's start getting Nancy [Pelosi] ready for the firing line this November."¹⁰

Last Saturday's protest and this week's past events are just the most recent example of the intolerance and hate coming from right-wing extremists this past year. At times it's been instigated by Republican leaders. When not, it's usually condoned and seen as part of a strategy to score politically. Either way, it's completely unacceptable and has to stop.

References

1. "Tea Party Protests: 'Ni**er,' 'Fa**ot' Shouted At Members Of Congress," Huffington Post, 3-20-2010
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/157?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=8

2. "MAP: A Guide To Recent Vandal Attacks On Democrats," TPM Muckraker, 03-24-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/150?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=10

3. "RNC rejects joint 'civility' statement," Politico, 03-26-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/151?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=12

4. "Democrats who voted for health care reform get police protection as threats turn ugly," NY Daily News, 03-24-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/152?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=14

5. See reference 2.

6. "Anthony Weiner's Office Receives Threatening Letter Containing White Powder," CBS News, 03-25-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/153?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=16

7. "Newt Gingrich: Democrats bear some responsibility for threats, anger over health care," Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 03-25-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/154?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=18

8. "Cantor: It's The Democrats Who Are Fanning The Flames of Violence (VIDEO)," TPM DC, 03-25-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/155?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=20

9. See reference 2.

10. "Steele: Let's Get Pelosi Ready For 'The Firing Line' In November (VIDEO)," TPM LiveWire, 03-24-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/156?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=22

11. "10 Most Offensive Tea Party Signs And Extensive Photo Coverage From Tax Day Protests," Huffington Post, 4-16-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/158?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=24

12. See Reference 11.

13. "Tax Day Tea Parties Officially Endorsed By Republican Party," Huffington Post, 5-15-2009
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/130?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=26

14. "Steele: I'd join the tea parties," Politico, 1-15-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/136?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=28

15. "GOP govs plan Tea Party sequel," Politico, 5-12-2009
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/131?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=30

16. "Rep. David Scott's (D-Ga) office spray-painted with Swastika," Daily Kos, 8-11-2009
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/159?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=32

17. "Armed and Dangerous?" Talking Points Memo, 8-11-2009
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/160?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=34

18. "Tea party leader calls Obama a welfare thug," The Loop, 9-15-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/161?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=36

19. "Memo Reveals GOP Plan to Exploit Fear of Obama," AOL News, 3-4-2010
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/162?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=38

Freedom Triumphant

2010-03-29T01:44:00.001-04:00

This week has been a great week for the cause of freedom here in America.

More Americans will spend less just to be healthy - or alive. They will have the freedom to not only live, but to keep more of their hard-earned money (or spend it on something worthwhile - boosting another sector of our economy).

Because we will get to stay on our parents' insurance until age 26, more young Americans will have the liberty to get on a sound financial footing before we have to buy health insurance on our own.

Millions of Americans, bound by the chains of preexisting conditions, will no longer be bound by the additional chains of not having

Countless small businesses will see the freedom to save more of their money or hire more workers, as they will enjoy tax breaks and costs savings for health insurance plans.

There are so many other benefits to the new healthcare laws passed by Democrats in Congress and signed by President Obama. But they all center around one simple idea: You should not be punished for being sick.

While these laws aren't perfect, and while our union isn't perfect, this week we have taken some giant steps in forming a more perfect union. The idea of 'liberty and justice for all' - an ideal on which our founders formed our nation, and for which so many have died - is becoming more of a reality.

That is why I am pleased to dedicate this post, my 500th on Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Scott, to those who fought to make this reform the law of the land, and to all who fight for our country's ideals at home and abroad.

Obama's Fiscal Policy Not Working? Really?

2010-02-16T23:15:00.000-05:00

The next time you hear someone saying that Obama's financial policies are not creating jobs, refer him to this graph. The next time you hear someone saying that job losses started with Obama, refer her to this graph. The next time you hear... oh, you get the point.

Jim Wallis on the bad theology of free market fundamentalism

2010-02-11T21:33:00.000-05:00

Jim Wallis is the first evangelical I know who stated that our national budget is a moral document. In his blog, God's Politics, he writes about the immorality of our banking system. You can read the article here. He has an excellent new book out, Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street- A Moral Compass for the New Economy.

While I am not a person of faith, I have great respect for Wallis and the work he continues to do to overcome poverty and economic and social injustice. This is an important article: I hope you will read it.

Obama was back in fighting form

2010-01-28T12:56:00.000-05:00

I hope you saw President Obama's State of the Union speech last night. He was direct, occasionally funny, clear in his intentions and challenges, willing to call the Republicans out on their amnesia as to when this recession/depression began and the causes for it. He even told the country what the Repubs will be saying about his budget proposals (cut taxes for the corporations and the rich, cut government spending that provides the safety net for the middle class, get rid of pesky regulations) and reminded them that this was what was partly responsible for getting us in the mess. He also took responsibility for some of the mistakes attributed to his year-old administration. (Ever hear George Bush take responsibility for anything?)

He was candid about the issues facing us and what his intended solutions. Within one speech he was Dad, cheerleader, mentor, coach, and, most of all, a very human President. Whether or not I agreed with everything he said, it was refreshing to have a president address his nation as grownups who are capable of understanding complex issues and forming our opinions without the aid of pundits or party leaders. Bravo, Mr. President.

Now the work begins.

A Disappointed Obama Supporter

2010-01-08T13:01:00.000-05:00

(This post appears on www.timothycaldwell.wordpress.com)

I continue to be a supporter of President Obama, but there are issues that keep cropping up that should not be happening. The latest example is that the EPA has accepted an application from a coal company for mountain top mining.

This has been going on since the George H.W. Bush presidency (some have traced it back to the Reagan era), and has resulted in the total destruction of entire mountains in Appalachia. Streams have been blocked, water sources polluted, people have been sickened by the pollution, and those who could manage to get out have walked away from homes and land that date back several generations. An acquaintance of mine who lives in Kentucky wrote to say that the violation of the land feels to her like rape.

Republican presidents since Nixon have made it clear that they care little for the "average" American, while they are eager to let Big Business rape the environment in the pursuit of profit. When Obama was elected, his supporters felt assured this would change, that he is a man dedicated to improving our environment and safeguarding our natural resources.

Then he appointed Ken Salazar as Secretary of the Interior, a man who had a history of siding with corporations whose work depended on degrading the environment and encroaching on lands of Native Americans. This is one reason, for example, that western wolves are being slaughtered as I write this, and the Polar bear has not yet been added to the Endangered Species list.

Add to this the latest EPA mountain top mining approval, and a dark cloud appears over the environmental policies of the Obama presidency. True, he can't be responsible for everything the lower-level bureaucrats do, but the president sets the tone and determines the principles for his administration. When it comes to the environment and endangered species, the jury is still out, but it is not looking good.

Senate Passes Health Care Bill

2009-12-24T07:41:00.000-05:00

From Senator Debbie Stabenow;

Nearly 100 years in the making, today the Senate passed comprehensive health care reform by a vote of 60-39. While this bill isn't everything I wanted it to be, it is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that saves lives, saves money, and saves Medicare.

When I first came to the U.S. Senate in 2001, we tried to pass a comprehensive Patient's Bill of Rights, but our efforts were blocked. The bill we passed this morning includes those protections - a "health care bill of rights" that stops insurance company abuses and discrimination. They will no longer be able to deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions, or drop you if you get sick. They also will no longer be able to charge higher rates because of your gender or your occupation, as well as many other protections.

The bill also makes insurance more affordable for American families. Health insurance reform will lower health costs with reforms to improve care coordination, reduce medical errors, and encourage more efficient health plans. Lower health care costs mean more money to invest in businesses, allowing employers to give workers more in take-home wages. It also includes special assistance for small businesses, many of whom are struggling with skyrocketing health insurance rates. This bill creates new tax credits for small businesses to help them pay for the cost of health insurance for their employees. It also provides tax cuts to individuals and families up to 400% of poverty to help them buy health insurance.

It also saves the country money, by reducing the federal deficit and reducing the growth in federal spending on health care.

Finally, this bill saves Medicare. It closes the "doughnut hole" in prescription drug coverage, provides free preventive care for Medicare beneficiaries, and changes the way we pay for health care to reward quality of care, rather than the quantity of tests and procedures. According to non-partisan budget officials, this bill will extend the life of the Medicare trust fund for years to come.

I have posted more details about this plan on my website, at http://stabenow.senate.gov/healthcare. I've included a copy of the bill, detailed summaries about what the bill does, and an interactive feature to explain how this bill closes the gaps in coverage to provide Americans with real health insurance choices.

This has been a long and difficult fight, and while we didn't win every battle, the bill we passed this morning accomplishes the important goals we laid out at the beginning of this debate. It stops unfair practices by insurance companies. It strengthens and protects Medicare for years to come. And it makes health care more affordable for families and small businesses.

The health care fight is far from over. But today we have made extremely important progress on one of the most difficult issues facing our country - an issue that has led to rising costs for our families and businesses and has cost us so many American jobs.

As we continue this work, and in our efforts early next year to continue to address the jobs crisis, I will remain laser-focused on saving and creating jobs in Michigan. As always, please continue to keep me informed about issues of concern to you and your family.

Joe Lieberman of 1995 vs Joe Lieberman of 2009

2009-12-09T21:16:00.000-05:00

The SEIU (Service Employees International Union) has put together a terrific video on Youtube.com that has shows Joe Lieberman standing against the filibustering that he is now threatening. Watch it here and witness the spectacle of cynical age vs. idealistic youth...what a difference 14 years makes.

Obama in Afghanistan

2009-11-25T14:05:00.001-05:00

In addition to being a Democrat and a strong supporter of President Obama, I am also a Vietnam veteran and I have been closely following the news reports of his decision about what to do in Afghanistan. He is scheduled to make his announcement next week, but there are many “leaks” coming from the White House about what his decision will be. It appears that he will be sending more troops, a lot more troops.

There are many reasons we should be disturbed about this, assuming the leaks are accurate. One of the most cogent reasons for concern is that President Obama is sounding more like President Bush with every pronouncement he makes about his reasons for putting American troops in harm’s way. He has been quoted as stating that he will “finish the job,” but cannot tell us exactly what that job is or how he will know it is finished. Until he can give clear guidelines of what he means to accomplish and how he will know when it has been accomplished–in other words, give us a credible exit strategy–he will not receive my support or the support of any veterans who value the lives of our sons and daughters in uniform more than vague hopes of some illusive political gain.

Our soldiers, their families, and our country deserve better than to have yet another president think he can overcome the bitter lessons of history and impose Western democratic ideals on an unwilling nation; that he can win the hearts and minds of a populace by supporting a corrupt government and using our patriotic soldiers as enforcers for that government, or that he can subdue his enemy without injuring our nation.

However, he has not announced his intentions, so perhaps the skies will open and a light from above will shine on him as he announces an end to the fighting. Maybe he will announce that the Afghanis must set up their own government without our troops shedding their blood in the process. Maybe, just maybe, this could happen... But I doubt it.

A Reflection on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009

2009-11-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

In 1950, when I was five-years-old and living in a small town in Kentucky, my first contact with anything military happened when my next-door neighbor, Mr. Abbot, gave me a disarmed shell he had brought back with him from World War I. Not long after that, my mother took me to a parade where Mr. Abbot and other old men paraded down the main street of town wearing funny-looking uniforms. Mom told me that the men had been soldiers when they were a lot younger. As I looked around, I saw men take off their hats and put their hands over their hearts as the American flag passed, and I noticed that several of them were crying.

All over the country on that particular day, Mom said, there were parades like this one. It was a special day called Armistice Day. Personally, I was disappointed because I had assumed there would be clowns and animals–maybe even elephants–in the parade. Why else would people be excited about a parade, and why would men cry because a flag passed by?

Jump forward to November 11, 1995. I was standing on the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City with my grown-up son as we watched veterans from all American wars since World War I parade up Fifth Avenue. It took more than an hour for the parade to pass us. There were lines of cars carrying vets who were no longer able to walk. Some groups of veterans had tried, without much success, to organize themselves into discernible marching units. The desert camouflage of the veterans of the recent Gulf War looked peculiar to me, mixed in, as they were, with the solid colors of the uniforms from the other units.

But the groups that affected me the most were the veterans of the war in Vietnam. That was my war, a war that I had tried, unsuccessfully, to put behind me for so long. Tears blurred my eyes as I peered through the telephoto lens of my camera, hoping to spot a familiar face although I knew there was little hope in finding anyone I served with in 1970. Even if I had recognized them, I doubted they would recognize me. The twenty-five years that had passed had changed me from a cynical, sarcastic draftee into a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and expanding paunch. On this day, I stood on the steps of St. Pat’s silently weeping for the all the soldiers who had died in that unnecessary war.

My son put his arm around me and asked if I was okay. I told him that I was, but I didn’t say that I was immeasurably sad when I thought of what my beloved country had lost in that war: all the young men and women who had died, and the millions of veterans who had survived physically but who had never truly “come home.”

On Veterans Day this year, I will once again feel the sorrow of loss, but also a burning anger. When I consider what the warmongers in Washington have done with the lives our sons and daughters in the military in Iraq and Afghanistan, and what these new veterans face when they return home, I am filled with rage. When I think about the impotence of our elected officials of both parties to end this senseless war, and when I hear the drumbeats for starting yet another war in Iran, despair washes over me. Will we never learn?

For most of my fellow citizens, this Veterans Day will pass unobserved as have so many others. But if there is a parade in my hometown on this Veterans Day, and if a five-year-old boy sees an old man with his hand over his heart and tears running down his face as our flag passes by, he might be looking at me.

Open Letter to Dave Camp About His NO On Health Care

2009-11-09T08:05:00.002-05:00

Representative Camp, when you voted NO on the House Health Care bill, you once again sided with the health insurance companies in denying Americans their moral right to basic health care.

You will have another opportunity to vote again in the final House vote. I hope you will, for once, take into account the number of your constituents who are either without, or struggling to keep, a basic level of health care for themselves and their families, while your corporate sponsors are raking in huge profits. I hope you will think about your constituents who are the working poor, who have jobs that pay no benefits because the companies cannot afford to cover their health care needs. I hope you will think about your constituents who are one hospitalization away from losing all they own.

Representative Camp, you will have another opportunity to consider whether your political ideology is more important than your moral obligation to work to benefit all of your constituents. You will have the opportunity to decide what your position of Representative really means: kowtowing to the rich and powerful, or truly representing all of us. The decision is yours, Representative Camp, and we will be watching closely.

Domestic Violence: a pre-existing condition

2009-09-19T17:35:00.001-04:00

The SEIU (Service Employees International Union) blog recently posted shocking news. In DC and six other states, insurance companies claim that domestic violence is a pre-existing condition. Including DC, they are Idaho, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

In a related survey, half of the national carriers (8 out of 16) claimed domestic violence as a pre-existing condition.

We need health care reform now!

Protecting Michigan's Water

2009-08-09T12:42:00.005-04:00

The last remaining investigative newspaper in Michigan, the Traverse City Record-Eagle, has run an editorial that is both scary and hopeful. The scary part is information about some major loopholes in the public trust pacts that treat our lakes and streams as commodities and allow companies to remove unlimited amounts of water so long as it is in containers that hold less than 5.7 gallons of water. You can read the editorial here.

The hopeful part is that various citizens groups and a few elected officials are waking up to the threats. Read the story, then contact your elected officials and alert them to these issues. Remember, without legislative actions to close these loopholes, whenever Nestle's wants to take water from your water table, the courts will have to base their decisions on the law, and the law currently is based on the pacts.

Obama and His Ethical Dilemmas

2009-08-09T10:20:00.006-04:00

In the New York Times, on Sunday, August 9, 09, Frank Rich raises some provocative issues about Obama's broken promises and whether or not he is capitulating to the corporate establishment. You can read the article here.

Obama, and any reformer who has political power, faces a difficult moral and ethical quandary: in politics, money always talks. In Western law, corporations are legally considered to be single individuals, and as such retain the rights of individuals to free speech and access to lawmakers so they can influence their opinions and laws in their favor. In the United States, campaign financing has been the accepted form of legal bribery. This is why the efforts of various citizens groups, such as Common Cause, to control and eliminate corporate campaign contributions have always stalled.

Back to Obama's quandary: how will he make fundamental changes when the corporations control the elected officials who ultimately decide on the changes? Obviously, he has to find ways to work with the corporations. The questions are: how many goals do you sacrifice in order to obtain your highest goals? How many concessions to big business do you make before you simply arrive at the status quo that Business prefers?

As Frank Rich points out, in the battle to reform health insurance, almost every Representative and Senator in both parties have accepted large bribes, er, “campaign contributions” from the health insurance industry. Obama, himself, appointed many of the good ol' boys from the financial industry–men who were at least complicit in the financial collapse–in the reconstruction efforts we know as the bail-out and stimulus packages.

Obama is a brilliant men, so he certainly was or is aware of the roles his appointees played in the collapse. Does this make him (Obama) a part of the solution or part of the problem? I believe he is a highly ethical person as well as being a shrewd politician, so I imagine that these thoughts are not new to him. He is also very aware that Jimmy Carter tried to clean up government but without engaging the Establishment, so he had only one term, and the effects of his efforts evaporated almost as soon as he left office.

Bill Clinton found himself in similar positions on a number of issues, however he faced a hostile Republican Congress. The results of his quid-pro-quo were that the country had the largest and longest period of economic growth in recent history, and two major mistakes: NAFTA and the “reform” of welfare that, in fact, broke a well-run system. The middle-class continues to pay the price for both of these mistakes, particularly NAFTA.

Many of us are working hard to support Obama's efforts at health insurance reform. Whatever passes into law will be a major advance. Let's just hope that he does not give the farm away to the corporations in the process.

Dogs and Health Care Reform

2009-07-31T16:03:00.004-04:00

Every American has a dog in the fight for health insurance reform. The United States, still the richest country in the world, has almost 50 million people without health insurance, and in this country, health insurance equals health care. Providing every single American with basic health care is a moral obligation, just as seeing to it that every American has a shot at a decent education.

One of the ironies with several of the lies that come bubbling out the health insurance industry is that they use what is happening now as examples of the horrible things that will or might happen if the government is involved. Examples:

“You'll have an unelected government bureaucrat standing between you and your doctor.” If you have health insurance, you already have an unelected company bureaucrat standing between you and your doctor, or maybe even between you and having an insurance policy (ever hear the term “pre-existing condition?”). And because the bureaucrat works for the insurance company, she has a good reason not to authorize a particular procedure or to deny your claim:her paycheck.
“A government health insurance will cut off old people from life-saving treatments, so they will die.” The health insurance companies have done this for decades, refusing to cover “experimental” or “unproven” treatments not only for the elderly, but also for young people whose health falls below of certain necessary level. The latter situation is based on medical protocols, so that will not change. Can you imagine the outcry if the government allowed everyone to have every treatment they thought would make them better, even over the objections of their doctors? The “tea-baggers” would have a field day.
“A national health insurance would allow for abortions.” This is true, and it infuriates the so-called “pro-life” folk because their efforts to stand between women and their doctors when it comes to reproductive health would be for naught. Ah, the irony.
“A single payer national health insurance would never work because the government would be running it.” Ever heard of Medicare?

It has been said that a nation deserves the kind of criminals it has. The same can be said of health care.

New Dangers in National Parks

2009-05-29T15:26:00.006-04:00

You and your children are visiting a national park. During the Ranger’s presentation, you notice that the man next to your son is carrying a shotgun, and the man next to your wife is carrying a rifle. And they are carrying them like they are loaded.

Thanks to Representative Dave Camp, most of the members of Congress, and President Obama, these men are carrying loaded weapons legally. This is because the amendment was tacked onto the recent credit card legislation that was passed by Congress and signed into law. This law replaced an earlier, more reasonable law from the Reagan era that allowed weapons to be brought into national parks but were not loaded and had to remain in the trunks of cars.

So you should let Dave Camp know that deaths and injuries from gunshot wounds that will occur in our national parks–possibly to you or your family–are in part a result of his caving in to the more extreme elements of the NRA. Going to the bathroom in the night while camping in the park has suddenly become a lot more interesting when the inebriated guy in the RV next to yours thinks you are a bear.

Rethinking Afghanistan

2009-04-17T09:12:00.003-04:00

Each day, more disturbing news comes from Afghanistan, and each day, Obama’s decision to increase the number of troops is called into question. It is particularly disturbing that he has no exit strategy from Afghanistan, and is running the risk of miring the U.S. in another endless war.

Brave New Films has put together excellent interviews with Afghanis (“Afghan” by the way, refers to a kind of blanket not a person from Afghanistan), economists, and troops on the ground who talk about the rampant corruption and misuse of our tax dollars. You can find the interviews here.

Like the country, Congress is distracted with the economy. We need to bring this to their attention.

(also posted on thechaplainsassistant.blogspot.com)

Pursuit of Jobs Trumps a Healthy Planet

2009-03-29T22:01:00.003-04:00

On March 19, 2009, State Representative Bill Caul, along with 71 other representatives (including, unfortunately, Andy Dillon who should have known better), sent the following letter to Governor Granholm. They sent it because she had the audacity to issue a directive that in order for a coal-burning power plant to be built, the company would have to show that burning coal was the cheapest, most environmentally friendly way to generate power.

It was a perfect setting for the folks who taut “clean coal” to prove they could, in fact, mitigate the environmental damage that comes from producing, burning, and storing the toxic byproducts of coal. But did they take advantage of the opportunity? Nope, instead they chose to roundly criticize the governor for not considering coal to be a renewable resource (yes, you read that correctly) and missing out on the jobs that would come from building the next generation of coal-burning power plants.

Their theme is, jobs, jobs, jobs, even if the products of these jobs poison the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. These are our elected public officials who are willing to condemn their descendants to a poisoned planet in order to win the votes of their constituents who are caught in a sinking economy. Is this what they meant when they wrote “the urgent need to create jobs in Michigan trumps most all other priorities during this time of economic crisis.” Do jobs really trump emitting poisonous gases into the atmosphere, polluting our water, sickening our children? Is clean air a lower priority than having a job where you contribute to the pollution of our planet?

What were Caul and Dillon thinking when they wrote this letter? Were they thinking?
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March 19,2009

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
George W, Romney Building
111 S. Capitol Ave.
Lansing. Ml 48909

Dear Governor Granholm:

We are writing to express our concern about the change in direction of Michigan’s energy policy as affected by Executive Directive 2009-02, which suspended the permitting and construction of new coal-fired power plants in Michigan.

When the 94th Legislature undertook the task of reforming PA 141 and crafting a comprehensive energy policy for the 21st Century, many important principles guided the process, including expanding sources of renewable energy, developing a statewide energy efficiency plan and updating the state’s aging base load power plant capacity. While all important in their own right, no factor loomed as large over the deliberation as the prospect for expanded job creation and economic growth that these changes would facilitate, As a result, a broad coalition representing business and labor worked hand-in-hand with legislators of both parties as well as the Administration in crafting this multi-faceted proposal that you signed into law.

With the issuance of ED 2009-02, we are concerned that this central goal of the legislation, namely job creation, may be compromised or at the very least stalled in a time when Michigan can least afford to move slowly. By delaying the permitting process for construction of new base load power plants in the state, the state is in a sense reneging on the promise of’ thousands of new construction jobs far Michigan residents. While the stated motivation for ED 2009—02 may be admirable, we feel that the urgent need to create jobs in Michigan trumps most all other priorities during this time of economic crisis.

Therefore, we respectfully ask that you reconsider this shift in energy policy. Though we may not be able to control all the factors that have driven Michigan’s unemployment rates, we have an obligation to use the tools at our disposal to affect the change that we can. Clearly rethinking the policy set forward in ED 2009-02 is something you can control. Thank you far your attention to this matter.

Educate Yourself Before Voting

2008-10-15T13:25:00.011-04:00

By Rob, a Meat 'n' Potatoes Voter

"The biggest argument against democracy is a five minute discussion with the average voter." -Winston Churchill

Inform yourself. These sites provide information on candidates, ballot proposals, the issues, and voting procedures. Share this with friends, family, and colleagues.

Research the Candidates and Ballot Proposals

Project Vote Smart
http://www.vote-smart.org/
Enter your ZIP Code to research your candidates, including:

Issue Positions from the Political Courage Test (some candidates are too weak to make their stances known)
Campaign Finances (find out who's giving them money)
Interest Group Ratings (certain interest groups rate the candidates)
Voting Records
Public Statements
Biographical Information

Michigan Voter Guide (from League of Women Voters of Michigan)
http://tinyurl.com/6s9oqo
Explanation of ballot proposals and questionnaires submitted to the candidates

Watch the Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates

Presidential Debate 1

Presidential Debate 2

Presidential Debate 3

Vice Presidential Debate

Vote411 (from the League of Women Voters)
http://www.vote411.org/
Information on election procedures.

Research the Issues

citizenJoe
http://www.citizenjoe.org/
This site explains the issues in simple terms. Just click on a category on the right-hand side. I haven't checked it out too much, but it claims to be "the friendly, smart antidote to partisanship and spin. A multi-partisan organization - with conservatives, liberals and everything in between - cJ promotes open, fact-based dialogue both online and off."

"It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried...." -Winston Churchill

Let's make it a little better. Share this with friends, family, and colleagues, and remember to vote.

Get Out the Vote!

2008-10-14T18:03:00.003-04:00

McCain pulling out of Michigan is old news, by now. There isn't anyone who hasn't heard, who doesn't know.

And it is for precisely that reason that the democratic campaign in Michigan has transformed from Obama vs. McCain to Obama vs. Voter Apathy.

What this means, friends, is that you need to get out and vote. There are 22 days remaining until Election Day, and even if we are leading by a massive margin at that time, it'll mean absolutely nothing if we don't vote. Voter apathy is very real, and a strong lead only makes it worse. If voters, especially first-time ones, see an inevitable win by the leads in the polls, they are less likely to get up and vote because they figure we've got it in the bag.

Now, more than ever, we need everyone we can get canvassing and calling and campaigning. You can sign up to canvass and call at the Obama Campaign for Change Office. Just putting up a yard sign is not enough.

Make sure everyone you know gets to the polls on Election Day, and have them make sure everyone they know gets to the polls, and so on and so forth. We need every vote we can get!

Get Out and VOTE for Change in November!

Intelligence and the Presidency - Rushdie and Obama

2008-10-08T01:22:00.003-04:00

On Monday night in Mount Pleasant we were treated to a delightful intelligent presence in author Salmon Rushdie who among other things hoped Americans would chose this time an intelligent President.

On Tuesday night we saw the difference between a Harvard-educated attorney who was the first black man to become the editor of the Harvard Law Review and a spoiled petulant Navy brat who finished near the bottom of his Naval Academy class.

On the one hand we have an old Navy brat who crashed several planes and despite "collaborating" with the enemy while imprisoned is still considered by some a "hero."

On the other hand we have a thoughtful, skilled and yes, intelligent. man speak gently and clearly about where he would lead the country.

The make believe maverick referred to his opponent as " the other one." The intelligent one disagreed without being disagreeable.

Intelligence won the debate. And with all of our help, he will be President Obama soon.

Sir Rushdie, America IS better than Europeans now think we are. We will prove it on election day 2008.

Dirty Election Tricks and How to Avoid Them

2008-10-07T18:21:00.003-04:00

As we reach the endgame, with less than a month remaining until Election Day, parties are pulling out the stops. This means dirty tricks to keep out the vote, folks. I encourage each and every one of you to read this article and send it to all your friends.

The more who are informed, the less who are taken in and cheated out of their voice!

Obama Rally 10/2/08

2008-10-04T09:51:00.002-04:00

On Thursday I had the privilege and honor of seeing Sen. Barack Obama speak live at Michigan State University. Some almost 20,000 supporters and otherwise came to the rally, completely filling Adams Field and spilling out onto the street, blocking traffic. My high school, Sacred Heart Academy of Mt. Pleasant, sent along some 60 students, filling two buses - for those of you who aren't acquainted with SHA, that is nearly half of the high school.

We were lucky to be near the "front" - that is to say, 50-60 rows of people back, and barely able to see the Senator. However, see him we could, and hear him we did.

One of the first topics he touched on was voter registration, reminding us that only a few days are left until registration closes. He stressed the importance of registering friends and family and acquaintances and encouraging them to the polls come November.

He also talked a lot about the economy, especially as related to the college student and the prospective college student. He pointed out that college is expensive as is, and if the economy gets worse, higher education will become even less affordable. He discussed the absolute importance of our political and social freedoms as outlined in the Bill of Rights, as well as the American dream, and keeping that dream alive and achievable for every one of us.

The speech gave me chills and inspired me, and it was an experience I wish I could share fully with each and every one of you.

Read the official article here.

McCain Abandoned Michigan and Forgot to Tell Palin About It

2008-10-04T09:32:00.004-04:00

In this morning's edition of the Chicago Tribune, there is a startling revelation. Sarah Palin was not told by McCain that their campaign abandoned Michigan. She read about it in Friday's newspaper!

Of course she didn't mention by name which newspaper she read it in - and we all saw the interview last month in which Palin couldn't specifically name any ONE newspaper that she read.

However alarming the apparent disconnect between the Republican Presidential nominee and the Republican Vice Presidential nominee is, more disturbing is the fact that it took Sarah Palin a whole half day to discover the fact that McCain was pulling out of Michigan in the first place. By Thursday afternoon CNN and Fox News were both running stories on the planned pull-out. Surely even if the lines of communication between McCain and Palin are broken SOMEONE on Palin's entourage is tasked with monitoring the major tv national news networks.

The reality is that now we have a Golden Opportunity to reach out to fair-minded and moderate Republicans. McCain has turned his back on over 10 million voters by abandoning Michigan. McCain has given us Straight Talk that he believes that there is nothing for him to gain in Michigan. Let's reach out to our neighbors and friends and show them that there is someone in this race that really cares about us.

And lest they believe the rhetoric by Palin that she wants to visit Michigan and try and woo us, let us not forget the fact that there are parts of Alaska, the state that she is the governor of, that she hasn't even been to.

So before the voters of Michigan welcome Sarah Palin with open arms, maybe she should return to her home state and visit the parts of Alaska that she's never been to before. Just a thought.

It's Official: McCain is Abandoning Michigan

2008-10-02T22:36:00.004-04:00

I had just came back from hearing Michelle Obama speak in Saginaw and was browsing the web. A blogger on Politico.com reported that anonymous Republican officials were quoted as saying that McCain would be pulling his campaign out of Michigan. However the NYTimes has just published a more reputable story, citing statements by the McCain Campaign itself. McCain is giving up his attempts to win over Michigan voters. He is withdrawing his campaign staff and campaign dollars from Michigan.

Ironically, Senator McCain gives on his own website, the following "quote of the week":

"We will disagree from time to time on a specific issue, but I promise you this: I will never let you down and I will always, always put my country first."

Apparently Senator McCain has decided that he's going to disagree with Michigan voters on enough issues that he's not going to spend any more time in Michigan. And if he's willing to turn his back on Michigan voters BEFORE he's elected, what does that tell us about how a potential McCain-Palin Administration would treat Michigan residents?

And just now, Steve Schmidt, the Chief Operating Officer of McCain's Presidential campaign, when asked by a reporter to comment on the campaign's decision to pull out of Michigan TURNED HIS BACK on the reporters and walked away, without responding.

And that tells us what the entire McCain organization thinks of Michigan. Thanks for the Straight Talk, Senator!

Even the Conservatives Are Wondering....

2008-09-30T16:55:00.002-04:00

The articles are popping up more and more frequently. Right-wing columnists are questioning the Republican Party's VP choice, and the faction calling for Governor Sarah Palin to step down from her VP candidacy is growing larger every public appearance.

This issue really tears me: my optimistic side says that she should stay on, because it will make a Democratic win that much easier, but my pessimistic side wants very badly for her to step down - in the event of a Republican win, I do not want her second in line for the presidency.

However, one must also ask - is a month and change enough time for Palin to step down, and for McCain to choose and campaign a new running mate? We are too close to the election for Palin to step down now, which is both great news and potentially terrible news.

Read more about right-wing opposition to Sarah Palin here.

Smear mail, and what to do about it

2008-09-29T21:44:00.003-04:00

This is from an organization called Truth Fights Back. They are providing an excellent new service to counter the smears that the Republicans are sending every day.

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John McCain Hopes You Delete This!
If you're like tens of millions of others, you've gotten an email with a subject line like that. A forward of an email with a catchy, titillating subject.

Only they are never about John McCain. They're about Barack Obama. And they are almost always filled with distortions, misstatements, and outright lies.

We started TruthFightsBack.com to deal with smears, and those types emails were a big motivator for us. And, thanks to all of you, TruthFightsBack has been a great success.

But we can do better. We know that when you get a smear email, you want to get the truth fast, and you want it laid out in a way that can convince the undecided, swing voters. So we began a new project of TruthFightsBack.com called the Center for Political Accuracy focused specifically on this aspect of fighting anonymous smear emails in real-time, and we've got an exciting new tool to use in this battle.

You can email me at brian@politicalaccuracy.com with your smear and our system can read your smear and get me our researched response immediately, and I'll email back a reply debunking the original email. This can all happen in 10 minutes or less, so you can be armed with the truth and reply to everyone who got the original smear.

Just copy this email address into your address book, and make sure to email me right away next time you get a smear.

brian@politicalaccuracy.com

700 Billion and no oversight

2008-09-23T08:18:00.003-04:00

President Bush is at it again. The 700 billion dollar bailout bill that is currently before Congress has this little clause:

“Section 8 Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.“ If you think I’m making this up, you can read it here in the Wall St. Journal blog.

Yes, the Bush administration is asking Congress to give the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to spend $700 billion as he wishes, without any real oversight or accountability. With respect to Congress, the proposed legislation requires the Secretary to merely submit reports about his activities to Congress. This is like giving your n’er do well brother-in-law carte blanche to your retirement fund, and asking that he just let you know every now and then what he did with the money that you’ll never see again.

We’ve already been told that this amount of money will likely cripple the American economy (this is on top of the approximately two trillion dollars the war will cost us), but the Administration is trying to, once again, remove Congress from having any say in how the money is spent.

Contact Stabenow and Levin TODAY and ask them, once again, to stand up to the insanity and keep this bill from passing.

Transparency No More

2008-09-21T21:56:00.004-04:00

We've heard it countless times from the Republican Party. The mass media market is a tool of the liberals throughout the country. I wonder if they say the same thing of the Anchorage Daily News in Gov. Palin's home state of Alaska.

In a stinging editorial published Saturday, the Editorial Board of the Anchorage Daily News came right out and stated that the McCain Campaign has taken over the state government. Read all about it here.

"Gov. Sarah Palin has surrendered important gubernatorial duties to the Republican presidential campaign. McCain staff are handling public and press questions about actions she has taken as governor. The governor who said, "Hold me accountable," is hiding behind the hired guns of the McCain campaign to avoid accountability." writes the Editorial Board in Saturday's paper.

What happened to transparency? What happened to accountability? Of course this isn't the FIRST action of the McCain campaign.

"Edward O'Callaghan, who until recently was co-chief of the terrorism and national security unit of the U.S. attorney's office in New York, and a former Palin spokeswoman now working for the national campaign, accused Monegan of a "rogue mentality" and "outright insubordination." They said he had flown to Washington, D.C., without Palin's approval to lobby for more police funding."

BUT WAIT. It gets better. Monegan's "outright insubordination" of flying to DC to lobby for more police funding was approved by Palin's Chief of Staff. Read about the authorization here. Maybe Gov. Palin will now tell voters that she didn't know what her Chief of Staff was doing when he authorized the Commissioner's trip to DC.

That darn liberally-biased media. No bias here. Just the facts. Or in this case, the tell-tale signature.

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

2008-09-20T16:22:00.001-04:00

Joe Biden, in an email to Obama-Biden supporters:

Right now, this race is neck-and-neck.

And it's all going to come down to what supporters like you do -- or don't do -- in these last 45 days.

...

Millions of Americans are counting on Barack and me to defeat John McCain and deliver the change this country needs -- but we can't do it alone.

Each of us needs to do our part. What's going to win this election for us is organizing on the ground, person-to-person, and growing this movement.

Biden took the opportunity to highlight the Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool, which is an online mechanism that allows you to get in touch with people in your neighborhood.

Check it out, use it, and spread the word!

The Republican Rally

2008-09-18T00:22:00.004-04:00

Tonight I found myself at the McCain/Palin rally in Grand Rapids on a trip with my school. My history teacher told me Monday that he had twenty tickets to see speeches from both candidates, and I practically jumped out of my seat to go, mind working all the while on how I could cover the rally for the left side.

Needless to say, I was a bit overprepared tonight - I had with me a voice recorder (yes, I recorded both speeches and the Q & A in their entirety) and a notebook, as well as a camera manned by a Democratic classmate and close friend. I took five pages of notes, front and back, and I hope that I can give you a bit of insight into what the Republican Party's got planned.

Before the doors opened for seating, we got to spend a delightful 20 minutes outside in the sun - an experience made WAY better by seeing our Dems out in full force, lining the streets in protest. In fact, the Democratic protestors were more enthusiastic than the Republicans, and it wasn't even our rally!

Once inside, I was struck by the "well-behavedness" of the Republicans. Isn't this supposed to be a rally? Where's the screaming? Instead, we all filed into chairs and were treated to - oh boy! - country and sixties music. A recurring theme tonight was just how well the Republicans knew who their constituencies were.

Eventually, ten to twenty minutes after the advertised start time of 5:30, Congressman Pete Hoekstra emerged, introducing a few speakers and, ultimately, Governor Palin and Senator McCain. I was possibly alone in that I was irked when Hoekstra made a comment about how the McCain/Palin ticket was going to fight back and finally beat the "radical jihadist" threat. Let's see if we can be any more offensive, Pete!

And this militarism was not only found in Congressman Hoekstra. The all-volunteer Christian school pep band played Anchors Aweigh a total of three times. Yes, we get it, McCain was in the Navy! Cool! Additionally we got to hear God Bless America and My Country Tis of Thee a number of times, as well as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the National Anthem, and being led in prayer, all of which was a great introduction to the major themes of the night - nationalism, militarism, and blurring the line separating church and state.

It was incredibly ironic how many of McCain's buzzwords and 'quotable lines' were stolen straight from Senator Obama. Right at the beginning of the rally, speaker Ann Schmidt, a collegiate Republican, mentioned that "McCain doesn't see Republicans and Democrats, he sees Americans," to a rousing wave of applause. Is this reminiscent of the 2004 Democratic Covention to anyone else? How about their new slogan, "We Can Do It"? Ring a bell to anyone? To top it off, McCain and Palin both went on and on about change and hope and "no more politics as usual" and a "government on your side." Gee, those ideals sound mighty familiar!

Even the young woman held up as a 'turn voter' testified that she wasn't much of a Democrat to begin with, just brought up that way. Flimsy!

The whole night I heard pandering to one group of voters after another. Nationalism that toed the line, on the other side of which stood rampant imperialism. A blatant disregard for separation that send shivers down my spine straight into my hardcore atheistic boots.

However, my abosolute favorite (read: ironic) quote of the night was when McCain was asked about his plans for defense of the country, and how he would treat defense spending. He responded that he would never cut defense spending. His reason? "We live in a dangerous world!" Wow. A vote for McCain really is a vote for George Bush III.

John McCain's Not-So-Secret Campaign

2008-09-17T03:42:00.007-04:00

The current election is in a bizarre state. In a society so tired of Republican smear campaigns, I have to question what levels of apathy the majority of Americans must have. Has anyone actually been following the news? Does anyone even care?

Barack Obama, according to the National Journal, is the most Liberal Senator in the United States Congress.

The same poll was unable to rate John McCain because he missed more than half of the votes taken in Congress. That's right: more than half. The only Senators to miss more votes than John McCain: a man with a brain hemorrhage, a dead guy, and the guy to succeed him.

That's just a little bit of information I had to get out of the way. Anyway, this election is turning out to be a chapter from a Karl Rove strategy book, circa 2004. The Republican party has, once again, been able to fool the country (AP- John McCain is leading Barack Obama at 52%). The stock market fell 509 pts. Monday, one of the most devastating economic blows in history, thanks to the lax policies ann no oversight of the Bush administration. Strikingly, John McCain has somehow disconnected himself with the policies of George Bush by using the same smear tactics Bush himself used in 2004.

Let me make this perfectly clear: John McCain has voted with President Bush, including supporting his failed Economic policies, 95% of the time. So how can a man who offers no change from Bush's economic plan make people believe he does? Its simple: lie.

Well, ok, that may be a strong word. But John McCain certainly isn't telling the whole truth. Its actually amazing political strategy, I will give the Republicans that: they certainly know how to manipulate. Here's what John McCain is doing, and don't take my word for it: turn on a TV.

John McCain is promising to put the country on a different track, and bring change to America. What's odd is he offers no real plan to do so. Instead of ever offering an actual plan, McCain's speeches go a little something like this:

"John McCain and Sarah Palin will bring change to America!"
'Backtrack a previous statement'
"They are the real Mavericks in this campaign."
'insert three slurs about Obama'
"Drill, baby, drill!"
'insert sexism accusations'
"Experience you can believe in.
'insert elitism accusations'

No real ideas or plans, no specific solutions; just fancy one-liners followed by hundreds of personal attacks on Barack Obama's character.

In fact, The Washington Post calls John McCain's campaign "A Disgraceful and Dishonorable Campaign" and Time Magazine says he is running "the sleaziest ads...ever seen".

I've had enough of John McCain's series of lies about Obama to distract from actual issues. Even more, I've had enough of the same tactics the Republicans have been using to scare the American public into voting for them. Mostly, however, I've had enough of the implications that suggests about our society. Does John McCain really believe we are that stupid?. Anymore, John McCain's lies are so obvious that even the news pundits are refuting them, citing them as "deception". If the American public is as smart as I believe it to be, why is a strategy this blatant working? How can the American public take a Presidential candidate seriously who tries so desperately to pull the wool over everyone's eyes?

I personally believe America to be a great country full of smart and hard-working individuals. The problem is, many Americans have become too apathetic to politics. Who can blame them, really? The mean, bitter fight that the Republicans have turned Presidential races into is repulsive enough to deter anyone. That still doesn't excuse the fact the fate of this country rests on the outcome of the election: no person in this country will be better off by simply deciding their votes on the one-liners between two candidates.

I implore every American: take twenty minutes a day out of your life to watch some sort of nightly news. There's no possible way to determine who should run our country if you aren't even aware of who is running.

Many political analysts are beginning to wonder whether all of these dishonest statements are going to backfire against McCain. If something doesn't change, I'm not sure it will.

Bullying and Bigotry

2008-09-16T21:24:00.003-04:00

Though Palin tries to be politically savvy, apparently she didn't get the memo that slurs don't earn votes.

A friend of mine sent me this article, which outlines Palin's extensive use of bigoted terms when away from the microphones. She is described as 'sexist,' 'racist,' 'vindictive,' and 'mean.' Slurs are allegedly a main staple of her vocabulary. To top it off, residents of Wasilla are reluctant to speak or be quoted opposing the GOP - reluctance born from fear of Palin and the Republican Party.

Words can't describe my outrage upon reading this. Freedom of speech and expression, right out the window. A government that essentially suppresses any opposition through intimidation and bullying tactics. Blatant racism heard from a politician.

McCain: Economy fundamentally strong; right, and the Tigers will win the World Series

2008-09-15T14:05:00.000-04:00

As of today, Lehman Brothers has filed for bankruptcy and Merrill Lynch has been sold. But try telling that to John McCain.

Democrats are pouncing on John McCain's comments at a Florida campaign rally Monday morning that the economy is “strong,” even as a major Wall Street bank filed for bankruptcy protection and another was sold to Bank of America.

Or does he really think that? Honestly, it's kind of hard to tell what he thinks.

"Today of all days, John McCain's stubborn insistence that the 'fundamentals of the economy are strong' shows that he is disturbingly out of touch with what's going in the lives of ordinary Americans," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said. "Even as his own ads try to convince him that the economy is in crisis, apparently his 26 years in Washington have left him incapable of understanding that the policies he supports have created an historic economic crisis."

Meanwhile, campaigning in Michigan for the first time since earning the nomination for Vice President, Joe Biden earns my nomination for Quote of the Day honors:

"Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, I could walk from here to Lansing, and I wouldn't run into a single person who thought our economy was doing well — unless I ran into John McCain," he also said.

Democrats Increasing Voter Registrations in Central Michigan

2008-09-15T13:05:00.003-04:00

Our work is paying off.

According to a recent “Morning Sun” article, central Michigan is witnessing “hundreds” of new voter registrations, and most of them are young college students. This is primarily due to the work of the local Obama campaign field organizers Ted York and Chelsea Neblett, along with their army of volunteers. Alongside the Isabella County Democrats, the Obama campaign is making a huge impact in this area, that, no matter what happens, will drastically affect the Presidential race all the way down to our local races.

I’m one of those volunteers, and I’ve personally gone door to door to various apartment complexes, houses, and dorms with my friends over the summer and throughout the fall. I have met young people, including those who have never really been interested in politics, fired up to vote for the first time. I have met students who are supporting Obama, but lower their voices and say “please, don’t tell my parents.” I have met students who found out how they could get involved in the campaign only after we knocked on their doors, and later found themselves knocking on doors alongside us. I have also met some friendly (and not-so-friendly) McCain supporters. It’s been a very rewarding experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring out Obama supporters to the polls in my community.

Our goal is to register over 5,000 new voters before the Oct. 6th deadline. As of this posting we’re somewhere around the 2,000 mark. Regardless of whether we reach our goal or not, it’s already evident, based on this article, that our presence has been felt. For me, this campaign has been a once-in-lifetime experience.

Here is some important information to keep in mind regarding voter registration:

- If it is your first time voting, than you must show up to the polls in person. A valid ID is required.
- Parents will not lose their tax deduction for a dependent if they register in a different area. A dependent’s status has nothing to do with their address.
- Parents will not lose their auto insurance coverage on the vehicles their children take to college.

Dress to Kill

2008-09-14T23:17:00.004-04:00

We've all seen how Sen. John McCain has proven his ability to relate to the common American people. I mean, which of us hasn't forgotten how many houses we own? We all have brain farts, right? And of course, I'm sure every one of you would agree that someone who makes two million a year, or three million a year, is still middle class - after all, you're only rich if you make five million dollars a year or more.

Maybe McCain has forgotten how many houses he has because he can't remember if he bought a house or an outfit for his wife with that last expenditure.

Tonight I saw an article in Vanity Fair that you might be interested in. While Laura Bush exercises some restraint, stepping out in an ensemble with a pricetag between $3,500 and $4,500, it would appear that Cindy McCain has no such qualms. Her outfit weighs in at almost one hundred times the price of the First Lady's, at around $300,000. Her earrings alone cost $280,000, which is enough to buy a house.

Is the man who spends enough to buy a house and a half on earrings for his wife the kind of 'fiscal conservative' you want in the White House?

Read about Mrs. McCain's outfit here, and read this one to put it in perspective.

When “waffles” is not a verb, but a noun, like Obama Waffles

2008-09-14T10:46:00.005-04:00

When the far-right neo-con/Christian (“Let’s take the country back for Jesus!”) folk get together at a quasi religious/political convention, all sorts of amazing ideas and products start popping up.

People who are not connected with these organizations are kept out or only given limited access to their nutty excesses. Since the mainstream media have all but abandoned investigative reporting, the people who have taken on the task are independent bloggers who are willing to put themselves in uncomfortable situations to get past the PR spinners. A blogger by the name of Larisa Alexandrovna has done just this in this exposé about a racist product–Obama Waffles– that was apparently a hit with Lou Dobbs at last week’s Family Research Council hate-in. You can read her story here.

In addition to the racist product, the comments by good Christian folk that she recorded while not being surprising are none-the-less disappointing in a 21st century America.

A word of caution: if you have high blood pressure, be sure to take your medication before reading the article.

Palin and Obama: the GOP's double standards

2008-09-13T22:08:00.003-04:00

This is a slightly different version of an email I got from Linda. Feel free to pass it on.

Black teen pregnancies? A 'crisis' in black America.
White teen pregnancies? A 'blessed event.'

If you grow up in Hawaii you're 'exotic.'
Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, you're the quintessential 'American story.'

Similarly, if you name your kid Barack you're 'unpatriotic.'
Name your kids Trig and Track, you're 'colorful.'

If you're a Democrat and you make a VP pick without fully vetting the individual you're 'reckless.'
A Republican who doesn't fully vet is a 'maverick.'

If you spend 3 years as a community organizer growing your organization from a staff of 1 to 13 and your budget from $70,000 to $400,000, then become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review,create a voter regstration drive that registers 150,000 new African Amerian voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor,then spend nearly 8 more years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, becoming chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, then spend nearly 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of nearly 13 million people, sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you are woefully inexperienced.
If you spend 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, then spend 20 months as the governor of a state with 650,000 people, you've got the most executive experience of anyone on either ticket, are the Commander in Chief of the Alaska military and are well qualified to lead the nation should you be called upon to do so because your state is the closest state to Russia.

If you are a Demoratic male candidate who is popular with millions of people you are an 'arrogant celebrity'.
If you are a popular Republican female candidate you are 'energizing the base'.

If you are a younger male candidate who thinks for himself and makes his own decisions you are 'presumptuous'.
If you are an older male candidate who makes last minute decisions you refuse to explain, you are a 'shoot from the hip' maverick.

If you are a candidate with a Harvard law degree you are 'an elitist 'out of touch' with the real America.
If you are a legacy (dad and granddad were admirals) graduate of Annapolis, with multiple disciplinary infractions you are a hero.

If you manage a multi-million dollar nationwide campaign, you are an 'empty suit'.
If you are a part time mayor of a town of 7000 people, you are an 'experienced executive'.

If you go to a south side Chicago church, your beliefs are 'extremist'.
If you believe in creationism and don't believe gobal warming is man made, you are 'strongly principled'.

If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.
If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years with whom you are raising two beautiful daughters you're 'risky'.

If you're a black single mother of 4 who waits for 22 hours after her water breaks to seek medical attention, you're an irresponsible parent, endangering the life of your unborn child.
But if you're a white married mother who waits 22 hours, you're spunky.

If you're a 13-year-old Chelsea Clinton, the right-wing press calls you 'First dog.'
If you're a 17-year old pregnant unwed daughter of a Republican, the right-wing press calls you 'beautiful' and 'courageous.'

If you kill an endangered species, you're an excellent hunter.
If you have an abortion you're not a christian, you're a murderer (forget about if it happened while being date raped)

If you teach abstinence only in sex education, you get teen parents.
If you teach responsible age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

The Conservative See-Saw

2008-09-13T00:31:00.003-04:00

I've heard the term 'flip-flopper' tossed around before. Back in 2004, I could barely hear myself think, surrounded by the din of my impressionable, outspoken, conservative Republican classmates denouncing Kerry. "FOUR MORE YEARS" was scribbled on anything that stood still for long enough, slogans were made up and repeated until you couldn't even recognize that dead thing they were beating as a horse. But the buzz-word, the one flying until the air was thick with it, was 'flip-flopper.'

My classmates brought up issue after issue that Kerry had changed his mind on, until it got to the point where I was glad I was too young to vote. The sheer amount of anti-Kerry claims I heard, coupled with my young (and uninformed) age, drove me away from the Democratic Party to the point where I didn't much care for Kerry, but I still knew I sure as hell didn't want to let Bush keep the reins. As much as I opposed Bush, I didn't know how I felt about having a president who couldn't decide what his platform was. And of course, the relentless chant of "Flip-flop! Flip-flop!" was pounding in my ears all the time.

But, my, how the tables have turned! I can't wait to see how my conservative classmates back up their Barracuda Barbie's indecision. Governor Palin insists that she is fighting pork-barrel spending, and yet she's in the barrel up to her elbows, with both hands - Alaska's request for special spending projects is the highest per-capita figure in the States. "We killed the Bridge to Nowhere," says Palin - but we find that she supported the bridge before it became a national symbol of unnecessary spending. Now that Hillary Clinton is safely off the ticket (and Palin safely on it), Palin is all praise and pity, with pretty speech about Clinton's grace, grit, and determination. However, earlier in the race Palin accused Clinton of whining. Very tactful, Sarah. I'm impressed.

And Senator McCain is backing up his VP candidate, telling borderline lies in her defense. According to McCain, Palin never supported federal pet projects during her term as governor. A brief look at her record tells a very different story.

That's not all. Palin's views are even further to the right than Senator McCain's: among the gems are support of a complete ban of abortion, even in the case of rape, and a staunch opposition to stem-cell research. For contrast, McCain would allow abortions in the case of rape or incest, and supports stem-cell research.

Do we really want a woman whose only continuity lies in choosing the stance that will further her career in a position to be our president? This election, every vote counts. Register yourself and your friends; donate, if your pockets are deep enough; volunteer, if you have time. You can pick up a list of numbers to call at the Obama office, and you can make these calls whenever you have a spare minute or two. Every little thing helps, and we need your support!!!!

Read more about Inconsistent Sarah here.

9/11(TM) and More

2008-09-11T16:01:00.004-04:00

Keith Olbermann's comment about the Republican Party's shameless use of 9/11 as a political tool aired last night, and those of you who - like me - didn't see it live should take eight minutes of your time and watch it now. The points Mr. Olbermann raised struck a chord with me, and maybe they will with you, too.

In addition, I saw a string of very interesting articles the other day. BetaNews, an online "nerd news" website, has published profiles of the technological stances of this term's candidates. These profiles provide an interesting peek into some of the technology we may see the government utilizing in the next four years.

Senator Obama
Senator Biden
Senator McCain
Governor Palin

McCain and Voter Suppression

2008-09-11T12:05:00.003-04:00

The GOP (Grand Oil Party) is weeping crocodile tears over Michigan citizens who lose their homes to foreclosure. The Michigan Republicans (who receive a great deal of financial support from two large law firms who specialize in foreclosures) are gearing up to stop anyone who has lost a home due to foreclosure from voting. They are focusing on the Flint area which has a high percentage of African-Americans.

As usual, they are using double-speak (“Election Integrity”) to cover their actions. They have learned well from Bush how to abuse the rights of their fellow citizens then spin it as a favor.

You can read more about it here.

A Palin Primer

2008-09-11T09:59:00.003-04:00

In case you have not kept up with news about Sarah Palin, you can fill in the gaps here. Like John (“I have the experience to lead because I was a POW for six years”) McCain, Palin seems to have some problems understanding that what she is against now, she was for until very recently, and vise-versa.

Under Palin, Rape Victims Paid

2008-09-11T09:23:00.005-04:00

Sarah Palin, the latest icon of Republican “cool,” is turning out to be a bit more troublesome to the ticket than was perhaps expected. It has come to light that when she was mayor of Wasilla, if you were the victim of rape or other sexual assault, you were charged for the rape exam.

According to the Wasilla Police Chief, Charlie Fannon, who was appointed by Palin after she fired the previous chief, has said this was a way to reduce the burden on the taxpayer. My gosh, she really is a reformer!

I’m sure other great tax-saving ideas she had will emerge in the near future...although she still supports the earmark money ($400 to $600 million) for a new bridge that shortens the route from Wasilla to Anchorage. But wait, isn’t she against earmarks? I’m so confused.

You can read more about this here.

Republican No More

2008-09-10T16:49:00.006-04:00

I was raised Republican. I was taught that Republicans were the fiscally responsible politicians. I was taught that Republicans were the politicians who were strict Constitutionalists and interested in protecting the rights of the individual. I was taught that Republicans were the only politicians who were truly interested in a strong national defense. I was taught that Republicans had our best interests at heart in any number of issues.

As I grew up I questioned some of what I saw, but was determined to work for change within the party. I even served on the Michigan Log Cabin Republicans Executive Board (the LGBT Republican caucus). However as time marched on I had a feeling I was sold a bad bill of goods. More lies became apparent. More promises were broken. Christian Conservatives, who started their takeover of the party in the 1980's continued to push people like me to the margins. Through George H.W. Bush's administration moderates in the Republican party took fewer and fewer seats at the so called "big tent" of the National Republican Committee. In George W. Bush's administration moderates were given even smaller roles - more lies were told - more promises were broken.

Then along came McCain and Palin. They want the public to leave their families alone, but they want to dictate what defines other families and what reproductive rights remain legal.

McCain and Palin want to continue the agenda of Christian Conservatives to make judicial appointments that will continue to erode the constitutional rights of millions of LGBT Americans simply on the basis of our sexual orientation.

McCain and Palin want to continue our current disastrous path in the Middle East with little to no regard to listening to other countries.

McCain and Palin want to continue the tried-and-failed "trickle-down economics" by giving tax breaks to only the wealthiest citizens and biggest businesses.

McCain and Palin want to continue to erode the middle class by expanding "free" trade agreements.

McCain and Palin wants the American public to think that they stand for change. In reality they want to continue to sell the American public a false bill of goods.

Several years ago I felt myself being pushed out the Republican Party. They don't have to push any longer. I've left it.

I won't say that I agree with everything that is in the National and State Democratic Platforms. I never said that about the Republican Platforms. However when comparing the documents to one another - and more importantly the actions of each party, I have come to the conclusion that I belong in the Democratic Party.

So last month I tore up my Republican National Committee membership and sent it back to the RNC with a note acknowledging that by their actions I determined that I wasn't welcome there and didn't belong.

I welcome my involvement in the Democratic party and more importantly I have been welcomed into the Democratic Party. I look forward to working toward change that will not only positively impact our country but will move to restore our once-stellar reputation among our allies throughout the world and demonstrate to the world that we're not the bullies that the Bush Administration has made us out to be.

A New Low

2008-09-10T13:46:00.003-04:00

Many of us didn't think it was possible, but the McCain campaign has sunk to a new low. First, they've recently released a new ad that completely distorts Obama's record on education. In fact, Obama has a much more substantive record, as the articles that the McCain ad uses even point out (more info about this can be found here). The worst part, however, is the ad's implication that Obama supported a bill that would teach "comprehensive sex education" to kindergarten students.

This is completely inaccurate. The bill in question was actually designed to protect children from child molesters by educating youngsters about inappropriate sexual conduct. This is an effort, I would think, that most parents would support. Apparently Sen. McCain disagrees. The Obama campaign has responded truthfully and forcefully:

"It is shameful and downright perverse for the McCain campaign to use a bill that was written to protect young children from sexual predators as a recycled and discredited political attack against a father of two young girls - a position that his friend Mitt Romney also holds. Last week, John McCain told Time magazine he couldn't define what honor was. Now we know why."

- Obama Campaign spokesman Bill Burton

Finally, McCain has released an ad expressing outrage (outrage!) at comments made by Obama at a recent campaign rally. "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig. "You can wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change. It's still gonna stink." These comments, of course, were specifically referring to McCain's platform as a whole, and especially his recent claim that he, somehow, some way, represents "change." Instead, the ad suggests that these comments were aimed directly at Gov. Sarah Palin. Given that Obama was talking about McCain's platform immediately before making these statements, it's clear what he was getting at, when looked at in context.

What's even more amazing, however, is that McCain used the exact same "lipstick on a pig" phrase (an old metaphor) himself (video). Apparently, when McCain uses this phrase on Hillary Clinton's health care plan, it's fair, but when Obama uses it to describe the entire McCain platform it's…sexism?

If anyone should be outraged here, it's us. John McCain is insulting our intelligence by assuming that we can't see through this.

The Inside Scoop on Sarah Palin

2008-09-09T18:02:00.002-04:00

I don't know if any of you have heard the name Anne Kilkenny bandied about in the past few weeks, but you may be hearing more about her soon.

Kilkenny is a resident of Wasilla, AK, and is well-acquainted with Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin. She penned this letter on Palin's track record in office.

One of the things that appealed to me about this letter is that it is a list of facts. While Kilkenny's opinion does show itself, she makes very few claims that are unsupported by a nice pile of facts and statistics. I think you'll find the letter an interesting read!

Wayne County Judge Ready To Take on Worst State Supreme Court in the Nation

2008-09-09T07:57:00.001-04:00

Mount Pleasant Attorney Toni Sessoms makes it clear at the Michigan Democratic Party State Convention where she stands.

Sessoms was among those who supported Judge Diane Marie Hathaway to take on Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Clifford Taylor in the alleged non-partisan race in the November election.

Taylor has presided over a state Supreme Court that a recent University of Chicago study ranked last in the nation. The study that reviewed the operation and decisions of all 50 state Supreme Courts ranked Michigan's state Supreme Court dead last.

Judge Hathaway, a Wayne County Circuit Court judge, will face an uphill battle, since the incumbent has put together a campaign war chest well over a million dollars. Many Democrats also fail to complete their entire ballot believing that voting the straight party ticket covers all Democratically endorsed candidates.

But judges run on the "non-partisan" section of the ballot, usually on the back side of most ballots. Some local offices like city commission spots are also on the non-partisan side of the ballot. One study showed that as many as 37% of voters fail to vote in the non-partisan races.

The state party is focusing special attention on ousting Judge Taylor because of his biased partisan, anti-consumer rulings. To see more about Judge Taylor see this feature story in the Michigan Messenger.

Voting information to college students

2008-09-05T13:51:00.003-04:00

With so many new voters in this election coming from college ranks, the issue of residency and where they are to vote is becoming a big issue. There is an article in the Chronicle of Higher Ed about the controversy in Virginia. You can find that article here.

This makes me wonder what students in Michigan universities are being told, and how accurate the information is. Comments?

Are You Fired Up and Ready to Go?

2008-08-29T07:34:00.002-04:00

Wow!! That was some speech, but now we've got some work to do.

Hundreds of phone calls need to be made, more voters need to be registered and countless doors need to be knocked and now is the time to change America and change Isabella County too, while we are at it.

In the past few weeks, I've heard a lot of excuses about being too busy, working at something else, but on the day after election day, how will you feel if we have to suffer four more years of the same because you didn't give a few hours a week in the last seven weeks of this campaign.

Yes, this is about you and not Barack Obama. This is your country. This is your county.
Call the Campaign for Change Office right now. The number is 989-317-0048. Or leave a message at the ICDP Office at 989-775-0314. We need you now.

The New Website Is Up And Running

2008-08-11T23:05:00.002-04:00

I would like everyone to know, the new website template is out at www.isabellademocrats.org. Check out the new graphics and set up. Certainly, this is a big step forward for us, and allows us to leave the Isabella County Republican Party in the dark on the Internet. Email me with any comments, questions, or concerns regarding the new format of our site. Enjoy.

Benjamin B. Barker

Congratulations President Dukakis!

2008-07-31T15:19:00.001-04:00

Michael Dukakis, Forty-First President of the United States

Okay, so he's not President yet, but he's gonna win, because it's the end of July and he's dominating George Bush, 55-38%! So you might as well call him our next President!

In the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention, the party's nominee, Michael S. Dukakis, has expanded his lead among registered voters over Vice President Bush, the probable Republican nominee, according to a Gallup Poll.

This was among the findings of a national public opinion poll of 948 registered voters conducted late last week for Newsweek magazine by the Gallup Organization. The telephone interviews took place on July 21, which was the last night of the convention, and on the night after that.

Fifty-five percent of the 948 registered voters interviewed in the poll said they preferred to see Mr. Dukakis win the 1988 Presidential election, while 38 percent said they preferred to see Mr. Bush win. The poll had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus four percentage points.

This represented a shift in Mr. Dukakis's lead from the 47 percent to 41 percent advantage he held in the last pre-convention Gallup Poll, taken by telephone July 8-10. In that poll, 1,001 registered voters were interviewed.

It's refreshing to know that after eight long years of Republican rule, we will have a Democrat in the White House!

--------------------------------------------------

Except, of course, that Dukakis lost.

Granted, the poll was taken 15 weeks before the 1988 election, and we are less than 14 weeks from the 2008 election. Plus, this poll came on the heels of the Democratic National Convention, before the Republican convention started.

And yes, the Democrats are viewed in a much more favorable light than Republicans in 2008, something that couldn't be said two decades ago. And the Republicans are nominating a less-than-inspiring McCain to succeed an unpopular Bush, twenty years after an uninspiring Dukakis was nominated to succeed Mr. Likable.

However, Obama's lead over McCain is considerably smaller. And this poll form 1988 showed Dukakis above the all-important 50% mark.

My point is that so much can change in so little time. The election is 96 days away, which leaves plenty of time for fraud, Willie Horton-style attacks, and the like...

...and plenty of time for you and me to do something about it. Register some voters. Talk with your neighbors, friends, family members, etc. Write a letter to the editor.

Our nation - really, our world - need Barack, and Barack is counting on you and me. So please don't allow complacency to creep in.

Can We Stop Another Michigan Environmental Disaster?

2008-07-27T08:58:00.005-04:00

The Upper Peninsula is hours away from Central Michigan, but we know what it is like to have polluted rivers around here. Millions of our taxpayer dollars have been spent to clean up the chemical stew lining the bottom of the Pine River and activists are working hard to force Dow Chemical to clean up its mess on the Tittabawassee River that feeds into the Saginaw Bay where eating too many fish could be a serious health problem.

Now another huge corporation could cause Michigan and Wisconsin to clean up another mess. No, it's not in our neighborhood. It's not even close to us like the messes in Alma or Midland. We don't have the opportunity to create a metallic sulphide mine in our area that might create jobs for less than a decade and then leave behind a nightmare.

Eric Hansen writes touchingly in the Milwaukee Journal about this disaster in the making that has no immediate impact on Central Michigan.

But the truth is we are all affected because if we don't assure that federal and state regulators demand full compliance with environmental regulations, we will all pay for another environmental disaster recovery operation cleaning up the mess. Robert Kennedy Jr. points out in his writing and his speeches that we need to demand that the total costs of pollution must be factored into every corporate decision with an environmental impact. We've learned that lesson well here about our rivers and ground water.

You have to wonder why after just agreeing to a Great Lakes compact to protect the largest body of fresh water on the planet, we would allow any corporation to do anything but provide 100% guarantees that taxpayers won't be stuck again.

We Are Heading To Broadway Wednesday Night For Fun and Our Candidates

2008-07-14T13:48:00.001-04:00

The curtain is about to go up on the Democratic Party Forum and Follies and entertainers and candidates come together for a night of fun and poking fun at the GOP, the Grand Old Party, with emphasis on the Old. The ICDP has rented the Broadway Theater and with a lot of help from some of the most creative Democrats in these parts, we've done our best to put a little fun back into politics and are hoping for a good turnout.

You'll have a chance to see a great line-up of candidates as well as comedy, music and silliness. It all happens this Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Donations of $8 are requested to help our 08 candidates and $5 donations requested for students or seniors.

Secrets Revealed at Thursday Night Meeting

2008-07-11T09:07:00.002-04:00

Although we've been sworn to secrecy about exactly what will happen next Wednesday night at the historically-restored Broadway Theater, the word got out last night at the monthly public meeting of the Isabella County Democratic Party.

Ronald Reagan is actually coming back from the dead to appear at the Democratic Party Forum and Follies, a lively attempt to put fun back into politics and raise a few bucks for local party activities.

That's not all. One of the local candidates will be imitating Bill Clinton playing the saxophone and Cindy McCain will be there to regale Dems with how she prepares some of her favorite recipes. I also just heard that another candidate will be appearing as Abraham Lincoln and that John McCain and Barack Obama impersonators will argue about who is nicer.

You really don't want to miss this event in downtown Mt. Pleasant at the Broadway Theater on Wednesday, July 16 at 7 p.m. Requested donation is $8 or $5 for students and seniors.

And you may even get to meet some of the local, national and state candidates as well.

Is It Possible to Put Fun Back Into Politics?

2008-07-09T10:43:00.005-04:00

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

FORUM AND FOLLIES

Putting the Fun

Back Into Politics

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

7:00 p. m.

at the

Broadway Theater

Beautiful Downtown Mount Pleasant

Tired of folks who take politics too seriously? The Isabella County Democratic Party is adding a little pizzazz to politics this year with comedy, song and dance and candidates. Come out and be entertained and learn a bit more about our 2008 candidates.

Donation of $8 for our 08 candidates recommended

or $5 donation for students and seniors

Michigan Vet and Blogger Exposes The Real John McCain on Daily Kos

2008-07-09T10:33:00.002-04:00

We met him at the Michigan Policy Summit and were impressed with his soft-spoken approach that underlies the wisdom that comes from actually being there in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He reminded of another excellent young writer, Scotty Urb who often hones in on just the right facts that amplifies the obvious.

Check out what DJ had to say about McCain's real record here at Daily Kos.

Michigan Senate and the Friday Night (Environmental) Massacre

2008-07-01T11:59:00.005-04:00

This just arrived from the Sierra Club of Michigan. The Repubs seem bent on wrecking the environment just as they wrecked Michigan’s economy under Engler. If you live in Senator Cropsey’s district (which includes Isabella County), let him know this is making Michigan a laughing stock in this era of environmental crisis.

<><><><><>

For more than a year, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers in the House worked to develop legislation to dramatically change energy policy in Michigan. Some elements of the package were good, some were bad. But on balance, most agreed that the House bills would move Michigan forward by requiring investment in the cheapest forms of energy.

The House package wasn’t perfect, but it was a step in the right direction. The bills contained a modest 1% Energy Efficiency savings standard per year, and a requirement that utilities provide 10% renewable energy by 2015 (a combined standard of 15.85% by 2015). Taken together, these policies would provide Michigan with affordable energy and take the first critical steps toward addressing global warming, while creating good-paying jobs.

Although Senate Republicans talk about clean energy and protecting ratepayers, their votes on Friday told a far different story. During the late night Massacre, they rammed through a completely irrelevant package of energy bills, which includes expensive and polluting coal as a renewable resource (no kidding!) and eliminated anything that could be construed as clean energy.

Under the Senate energy bills, Michigan will get more coal-fired power plants, skyrocketing energy costs, more pollution, more global warming, and few (if any) new jobs. Their combined standard for renewable energy and energy efficiency is 7% (Michigan already has almost 5%!) In short, the Senate energy bills are a joke. Whats even more appalling is that no one asked them to change the House bills!

The House bills passed their version of the energy bills with strong bi-partisan support and had the blessing of virtually every major interest group. There was no reason for the Senate to muck up the package. If they can’t improve the House bills, they should pass them intact, so that Michigan doesn’t end up a national laughing stock.

Its time to let Senate Republicans know that they should lead, follow or get out of the way. Please send an email Senator Cropsey letting him know he got it wrong and needs to try again!

His contact information is:

senacropsey@senate.michigan.gov,

phone: 866-305-2133

fax: (517) 373-8661

Old-Fashioned Democratic Fourth of July Picnic By The River

2008-06-25T13:29:00.002-04:00

Here's an alternative to a long gas burning trip out of town this Fourth of July. Join fellow Dems for a good old fashioned picnic by the river. Here's the invite:

ISABELLA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
4TH OF JULY PICNIC



WHO:   YOU, your family, your friends,
   Anyone interested in joining us for food and fun

WHAT:   Isabella County Democratic Party Picnic/Fundraiser

WHERE:  Toni Sessoms’ Farm on Littlefield Road
   Directions attached

WHEN:  Friday, July 4th, 2008
   3:00 p.m. until ???
   Rain or shine

COST:   $5/person; $10/family suggested donation

WE WILL PROVIDE: Drinking water
   Plates, eating utensils, cups, napkins
   Badminton, volleyball
   Horse Shoes
   The Washer game
   The Coldwater River to play in
   A bonfire after dark

BRING:   A covered dish to pass
   Your favorite beverage
   Chairs
   Toys, floatie things to play in the river
   Sunscreen, hat
   Towels
   Warm clothes if you plan on staying after dark


DIRECTIONS TO THE FARM ON LITTLEFIELD ROAD

FROM MT. PLEASANT

Travel West on M-20 (also named High Street and Remus Road) to Winn
Road
Turn Right (North) onto Winn Road
Travel 2 miles on Winn Road
Turn Left (West) onto River Road
Travel 2 miles on River Road
Turn Right (North) onto Littlefield Road
Travel 7/10ths of a mile on Littlefield Road; you will go up a hill
and see red barns on the left
After the red barns on left, go to 2nd telephone pole
Turn Left onto two track near 2nd telephone pole

FROM THE WEST

Travel East on M-20 to Littlefield Road
Turn Left (North) onto Littlefield Road
Turn Right (East) onto Pickard Road
Very soon after the little bridge, turn Left (North) back onto
Littlefield Road
Travel on Littlefield Road
Go straight through the intersection with River Road
After intersection with River Road, travel 7/10ths of a mile;
Travel up a hill and see red barns on the left
After the red barns on left, go to 2nd telephone pole
Turn Left onto two track near 2nd telephone pole

FROM THE SOUTH

Travel North on Mission Street in Mt. Pleasant
Turn Left (West) onto M-20 (also called High Street and Remus Road)
Continue West on M-20 for about 7 miles to Winn Road
Turn Right (North) onto Winn Road
Travel 2 miles on Winn Road
Turn Left (West) onto River Road
Travel 2 miles on River Road
Turn Right (North) onto Littlefield Road
Travel 7/10ths of a mile on Littlefield Road; you will go up a hill
and see red barns on the left
After the red barns on left, go to 2nd telephone pole
Turn Left onto two track near 2nd telephone pole

FROM THE NORTH

Travel South on Mission Street in Mt. Pleasant
Turn Right (West) onto M-20 (also called High Street and Remus Road)
Continue West on M-20 for about 7 miles to Winn Road
Turn Right (North) onto Winn Road
Travel 2 miles on Winn Road
Turn Left (West) onto River Road
Travel 2 miles on River Road
Turn Right (North) onto Littlefield Road
Travel 7/10ths of a mile on Littlefield Road; you will go up a hill
and see red barns on the left
After the red barns on left, go to 2nd telephone pole
Turn Left onto two track near 2nd telephone pole

Here's to our nominee, Barack Obama!

2008-06-03T23:04:00.005-04:00

From my inbox:

It's been a long journey, and we should all pause to thank Hillary Clinton, who made history in this campaign. Our party and our country are better off because of her.

I want to make sure you understand what's ahead of us. Earlier tonight, John McCain outlined a vision of America that's very different from ours -- a vision that continues the disastrous policies of George W. Bush.

But this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past and bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love.

It's going to take hard work, but thanks to you and millions of other donors and volunteers, no one has ever been more prepared for such a challenge.

Thank you for everything you've done to get us here. Let's keep making history.

On this night, Tuesday, the 3rd of June, 2008, my heart swells with pride for our party, for our country, and for our world.

Tonight, Senator Barack Obama has clinched the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

Few can say they have lived as well-rounded and influential life as Barack Obama. The multiracial Obama, whose father hails from Kenya and whose mother was from Kansas, was born in Hawaii and spent time in Indonesia while growing up.

He left law school to work as a community organizer in Chicago to help deal with the needs of troubled neighborhoods. He eventually finished his law school work after having become the first African-American to edit the Harvard Law Review.

He spent eight years in the Illinois Senate before winning election to the US Senate in 2004. In both roles, he has established a track record of success in getting things done and advancing progressive causes.

And now, here we are, in the late spring of 2008. 793 years after the Magna Carta loosened a king's grip on England, 232 years after rebel patriots declared themselves free from the bonds of tyranny, 141 years after the abolition of slavery in this 'Land of the Free,' this party offers this nation - the land of the free, the home of the brave - the chance of a generation.

A chance to elect a real leader. A leader of impeccable character and integrity. A leader of high intelligence.

Someone ready to take on the role of leading all 300 million of us. To be a role model for school children everywhere - living proof that you can be whatever it is you want to be, if only you dedicate yourself. Living proof to all that obstacles are not impossible to overcome.

Early on, I must admit, I was skeptical. He was one of my top picks right from the get-go - along with Edwards and Richardson (I think I would have backed Wes Clark had he run) - but I was not convinced the 40-something junior senator from Illinois was ready for the toughest job in the world, at one of the most critical times in American history.

Winter turned into spring, spring to summer. I paid attention to what our field of candidates - diverse in race, personal background, experience, and policy ideas - had to say about why they were the one for which America has longed.

Wouldn't you know it, that young man - the youngest in the pack - kept convincing me time and time again that not only was he ready for the enormous burden of the Presidency, but that no one else running was quite as ready as him. And so I gave him my support.

And now, here we are. Five months after the Iowa Caucuses, five months before the general election, this primary season has finally come to an end.

We now know that the son of a Kenyan father and a Kansan mother will be the nominee of the Democratic Party - the Party of Jefferson and Jackson, the party of FDR, JFK, and LBJ, and the Party of Nobel winners Wilson, Carter, and Gore - to hold the office once held by Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, U.S. Grant, TR, Silent Cal, FDR, Truman, and Ike.

As our nominee, Obama has made history. If elected, he will make even more history.

Far more important, he will work to make the future better for all of us.

So together, let's make it happen.

The Deference Difference - McClellan Revelations Bring Back Personal White House Memories

2008-05-29T09:08:00.004-04:00

Watching the press flap about the latest revelations from former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, reminds me of my own humble days in the White House Press Room many years ago and the huge difference in deference of the national press between then and now.

In my very first 4 p.m. briefing at the famous press room I was taken aback when White House Press Secretary Ron Zeigler came out of the door to the left of podium and no sooner had he gotten to the microphone when Herb Kaplow, the ABC correspondent blurted out. " And what kind of lies do you have for us today, Ron?"

I was just a student journalist at the University of Maryland doing an internship that included covering the White House and Capital Hill for a group of Midwestern newspapers. But Kaplow's opening remark along with the smirk on Zeigler's face when he heard it left a lasting impression about the relationship between the press and the White House. Of course, not all of the dozens of regulars who peopled those 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. White House press briefings shared the same disdain that Kaplow did with the farce that preceded the impeachment of President Nixon.

Everyone knew that Zeigler, a former Disney publicist, was just a mouthpiece and that he was just the front man for an administration in freefall. What surprises me now is that anyone is surprised about the McClellan revelations that the Bush administration has been lying through its teeth.

What is disgusting from my perspective is the incredible deference the national press is still showing to the Bush administration despite the fact that we all know the Bush administration lied us into the war. The latest charade from Dan Bartlett that it wasn't lies, but faulty intelligence that caused Bush problems, is simply another lie.

The Downing Street Memo seems to be long forgotten by the members of the national press. We wrote about it shortly after it appeared in a British newspaper in a May 29, 2005 post we titled Another Way To Remember on Memorial Day. It gives me no great pleasure to realize how right I was about the Bush administration three years ago. Of course, John Conyers and many other braver Americans continually challenged the administration but our national press ignored those early signs of treason because in some circles it was unthinkable that a president of the United States would lie us into a disastrous war.

It was also unthinkable many years ago that a White House would try to cover up a break-in at an opponents political office at the Watergate. But the press then was different from the press today. Not many newspapers were owned by huge media conglomerates whose primary motivation was making huge chucks of money so they could buy up more media outlets. The Washington Post, the New York Times and many other large regional newspapers actually did investigative journalism and did not rely on the nonsense that came out of the daily press feedings that passes for news today.

The press has failed us and that is why many blogs have more creditability than major media outlets.

I was dismayed today to hear CBS, NBC and MSNBC wondering about the motivation of Scott McClellan and why he was writing a book that pointed out the Bush administration lied us into war. That's an incredibly inane question when we should really be questioning why the mainstream media even bothers to think the Bush administration might be telling the truth about anything.

There are no Herb Kaplows today in the mainstream media and we are much worse off for it.

History is Being Made In Isabella County Too

2008-05-16T08:22:00.002-04:00

The news from Grand Rapids on Wednesday and the enthusiasm of Michigan Democrats for the evolving drama of the national race has overshadowed another exciting story that bodes well for our local Democratic Party with historical implications here.

In the county where John Engler was born, a county where Republicans have controlled the corridors of the county office building, the Democratic Party in Isabella County is posed to pull a major upset by fielding the largest and strongest field of local candidates in county history.

After more than three months of hard work of encouraging and recruiting some of the best and brightest people in Isabella County to step forward, the ICDP is proud to announce a field a ten candidates to take on Republican incumbents. Many of those Republican incumbents have NEVER faced a Democratic challenger before.

But it doesn't stop there. The Democratic Party is also fielding an almost full slate of candidates to take on the Republican machine that has controlled politics in the Mt. Pleasant suburbs. Union Township, the conservative suburban area that surrounds the city, is about to see some new faces along with a few older ones convinced that their local government needs to return power to the people, not the local wealthy interests. We will also be making a major effort to increase the slim majority on the Board of County Commissioners.

The ICDP will be introducing its local candidates to the public in a fun and unique event with music and song and humor on June 24 at the historic restored downtown Broadway Theater.
Fun, energy and enthusiasm is coming back to local Democratic politics in Isabella County.

Isabella County politics will never be the same again.

History is Being Made

2008-05-14T23:57:00.008-04:00

History is being made. Something possibly we have not seen since the Kennedy race! It was fulfilling and gratifying to see Mr. Edwards give a passionate speech to an overwhelming crowd in Grand Rapids, Michigan! This was an inspirational event, to take down the walls as he put it. And as Democrats in Michigan we have to realize how revealing and great this media attention is for our state.

But, how do we deal with it as Democrats in regards to the harsh convictions of the race issue in politics? Practically, despite what the media says, it is irrelevant. This was shown in Grand Rapids, Michigan and beyond. All of us as Democrats have to look past the media twist on what is happening. Beyond Reverend Wright, beyond the categorization that this is a presidential contest based on chauvinism or race. It has nothing to do with it! Today was a day in which we unified as Democrats and pulled together to decide who has the best plan.

Change is going to occur. It might not happen immediately, it might not include an economic stimulus package. But it will be a change that will be better for us, the average citizen. And as our own county pulls together with supreme leadership to influence new candidates, we rise above that wall that Edwards referred to.

Andrew Thibodeau ICDP Political Advisor and Candidate for Isabella County Clerk

I Was There as Edwards endorsed Obama

2008-05-14T22:34:00.001-04:00

Wow! People talk about being "Fired Up and Ready to Go" at Obama rallies, but I must say I never imagined seeing what I just saw in Grand Rapids, in the heart of conservative West Michigan.

An endorsement from John Edwards.

I arrived at Van Andel Arena (named for a conservative cofounder of Amway) around 5:15. The line to get in moved quite rapidly, probably because there were plenty of metal detectors to keep people moving in at an efficient pace. I sat in the upper level of the arena, but I was closer to the stage than many people there. Besides, given who we knew was going to be there, I wasn’t complaining.

A disabled veteran led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The crowd cheered as they saw the young man in crutches approach the podium. After that, someone from the field office had everyone get out their cell phones and text 'MI' to 62262 to stay involved with the campaign.

A little while later we saw the "Yes We Can" video by will.i.am. A little later, The Wave.

I reflected on the people there. They were diverse in race, age, and surely walk of life. I saw middle-aged white men. I saw black women. I saw kids - plenty of kids! Many of whom won’t be old enough to vote this November. Still, they were witnessing history. Sure, school was out for the day. But these kids were getting a hands-on education, just as I did when I saw Al Gore at Calder Plaza in October 2000.

Around 6:35, a worker at the Lear factory in Walker - which will be closing in a few months - spoke about his struggles to get by as the cost of living increased but his paycheck didn’t.

He had the honor of introducing the man who would be President.

At 6:38 PM, Barack Obama - one of the smartest and most beloved people in modern politics - stepped up to the podium.

He started by telling us he had a treat. And a treat it was as he introduced a young man who has dedicated his life to tackling the many issues ordinary Americans face.

Once Barack uttered the words "John Edwards," the place went nuts. We all knew what Edwards’s presence there meant. I was hopping up and down like I’ve never done at any political function in my 20 ½ years. Hell, I’m not sure I’ve ever been so excited at a sporting event!

Edwards spoke of the major themes of his campaign: Poverty, social justice, healthcare, and of course making the two Americas one. "The Democratic voters of America have made their decision," he added, "and so have I."

In his remarks, Obama made the solemn promise that Edwards would find in President Obama a fierce comrade in the fight against poverty. He then touched on what he has discussed throughout his campaign, including the many important issues we face in this country and the importance of changing the way Washington operates.

There seems to be general agreement that Senator Obama will be our Democratic nominee. He pointed out that both Edwards and, yes, Hillary all stood for a much-needed change in Washington. On more than one occasion, Obama called out McCain as someone who simply offers more of the same. Obama, speaking in a conservative region of battleground Michigan, was in full general-election mode.

At one point during the speech, we got a glimpse of what kind of human being we'll have as our President if this man is elected.

At one point, Barack saw that someone in the crowd had fainted. He interrupted his spiel for a moment to alert the EMTs that someone had fainted. He then took his bottle of water and asked people to send it back to the person who had fainted.

I'm not sure many politicians would interrupt their own speech to do that - much less give up their bottle of water.

When the speech was done, the crowd dispersed, and I made my way to the car. As I got in the car, I looked in the mirror and asked myself: "Did I really just see Edwards endorse Obama?"

Oh, yes, I did.

And I hope that you too have the privilege of being there to see and hear Barack Obama bring out your emotions and move you to action.

Lazy Journalism Could Help Defeat Library Millage

2008-05-05T06:40:00.003-04:00

Here we go again.

In today's Morning Scum, their best reporter, does a lousy job of telling the public what is going on. Come on, Mark Ranzenberger, follow the money. Didn't you learn anything in journalism school?

Mark's story this morning makes it sound as if some citizen movement has arisen to fight taxes. The headline of the story even makes it sound like there was some big rally somewhere where hordes of local citizens rose up in arms to defeat the library millage.

So where was this rally, Mark? How many people were there? Tell us the truth. There was no rally, was there, Mark? This is not a citizen movement at all, is it Mark?

All you are doing with this story, Mark, is reporting what people are saying. That's really lazy journalism. The moneyed interests in our community have controlled local politics in the same way they have done it nationally. They complain that they are paying too much in taxes and crush the projects that are needed by those who have the least.

So tell us, Mark, who is this Todd Lawrence Oliveiri, who is pretending to be a champion of the people? Is he some downtrodden poor soul suffering under the crushing high taxes caused by our local library?

Or is he a 48 year-old Republican who lives at 805 Canal St. in a comfortable neighborhood on the west side of town close to the CMU campus?

And where is all of the money coming from to pay for a political consultant and the high-priced campaign being launched to kill our local library?

Don't you remember, Mark, that the role of a real journalist is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable?

You are letting the comfortable get away with not just a pack of lies about our library, but you are comforting the comfortable.

Get off your lazy butt and get over to the courthouse and do some journalism, Mark. Follow the money. Or do we have to do it ourselves?

Local Newspaper Kowtows to Big Local Advertisers

2008-05-04T23:01:00.002-04:00

The Morning Scum, our poor excuse for a local newspaper has done it again.

This time they've written a wishy-washy editorial about the library millage coming up on Tuesday. Instead of taking a stand on an issue, which is what editorials used to do before the only motivation for a newspaper was to make a profit, the Morning Sun asks readers to weigh the issues.

Is the editorial for the library millage or against it? Can't really tell from the editorial, but then all those stores that are flying the vote no on the millage signs are owned by rich local Republican advertisers.

Does the newspaper care about the people of this community or what? The Morning Sun is typical of chain newspapers that suck as much money out of a community as they can and send it to corporate headquarters in some other state so they can buy up any competitors.

There used to be other newspapers in our area that didn't kowtow to advertisers, but they've all been bought up now except for the Shepherd Argus that is owned by a Democrat and they don't have that much circulation.

The local news coverage in the Morning Sun is minimal meetings-type coverage of our local governments and most of our local townships get no coverage at all. Remember the good old days of journalism when the role of the press was to hold local officials accountable?

Forget about it. If it doesn't happen at a local government meeting then the public doesn't get to know about it in Isabella County because our local monopoly newspaper doesn't cover it.

When I went to Journalism School I learned that the role of journalists was to find out what is really going on in your community and the only way you could do that was to find out more than just what happened at meetings. I worked at some real newspapers that did exactly that and I really miss journalism that cared more about the people than about their advertisers.

Rich People Don't Use Library -- Want to Kill It

2008-05-04T22:47:00.002-04:00

All over Mt. Pleasant Isabella County's richest property owners are putting up signs to kill a property tax millage with red colored Vote No To New Taxes signs. All along Pickard Street in front of Republican owned stores the vote no to the library millage signs on the county's highest traffic thoroughfare.

Library users are a mix of civic minded people and poorer folks who can't afford to buy a book or magazine whenever they want to. Of course, the LaBelle's and Fabiano's of our county don't need to send their kids to the local library if they need to cite encyclopedia sources in their reports, they can just buy their own encyclopedias.

Of course, a property tax is a progressive one that makes the rich pay their fair share. If they own millions of dollars worth of property, then they pay more to fund the library than those with a more modest home. So naturally they get behind an effort to kill the millage for the library.

Of course, the library millage is not a new tax, it's just a renewal of a library millage with a little additional to add a new addition to the library. That doesn't matter -- Isabella County's richest property owners don't give a damn that a vibrant library is an essential tool for the families in Isabella County who have the least.

They've got theirs and they want to keep it. In fact, they want more tax cuts for the rich. The rich could kill the library millage this time with all that advertising, but they don't care. Isabella County's poorest people are not their problem.

Republican Mt. Pleasant City Clerk Cops a Plea -- Gets Off Easy After Stealing From Taxpayers

2008-05-03T06:57:00.003-04:00

Long time Mt. Pleasant City Clerk Robert J. Flynn will only have to spend ten days in jail for embezzling money in a clever scheme involving city cemetery plots.

By most accounts the 60-year-old Flynn had been a likable friendly man, but the Friday sentencing before Judge Mark Duthie revealed another side of the man who had plead guilty more than a month ago. When asked what he did with the money he said he just spent it. The judge didn't press him for a further explanation.

For violating the public trust, Flynn was sentenced to 8 months, but will only serve 10 days in jail. His sentence began on Friday as he was taken away from the courtroom and he is expected to get out of jail next weekend. He will be required to do 2500 hours of public service and will be on a tether for five months. He will also be required to pay $31,000 in restitution to the city that includes a $6,500 reimbursement for a city ordered audit after irregularities were uncovered in the cemetery account. Flynn was at first suspended from his job and then allowed to officially retire.

The scene of Friday's sentencing at the Isabella County Courthouse was an emotional one as family, friends and former co-workers watched the proceedings. Flynn and some of his former colleagues were in tears as the judge pronounced his sentence. Rumors had it that the former city clerk was hoping for a lenient sentence since it was a first time offense.

Prominent local Democratic attorney Gordon Bloehm, who defended the former city clerk had negotiated the plea bargain for Flynn but judges can accept or reject a plea bargain after reading a pre-sentencing investigation report and hearing testimony from those affected by the crime.

Bloehm asked Judge Duthie if Flynn could wait to begin his sentence on Monday because he had friends in town, but the judge ordered him taken away after an assistant prosecutor said a delay would be inappropriate.

The long time city clerk was a familiar face on election day in Mount Pleasant as he dashed between the city polling places for the seven Mt. Pleasant precincts. He oversaw the introduction of the city's new voting machines that counts punch card ballots that are read by an electronic counter. Flynn knew most election workers by first name and dashed between polls with lunch money and last minute absentee ballots that needed counting. Flynn had paid city election workers in cash for the $6 per meal lunch money. But city officials have informed election workers they will no longer get cash lunch money. It will be added to the wages that are paid by check several weeks after an election.

Flynn's sentencing raises questions about what is an appropriate punishment for public officials who violate the public trust. Did his lenient sentencing send a message that public officials can expect a handslap if they steal from the taxpayers? Will Mt. Pleasant citizens lose faith in local government or will they see the Flynn case as just an aberration?

Clinton Gas Plan Bad For Michigan: Granholm Please Note

2008-04-29T15:49:00.006-04:00

Jennifer Granholm who has been doing a fairly good job of working hard to stimulate job growth and diversification of Michigan's economy might have to rethink her support of Hillary Clinton as result of her new proposal on gas prices.

Clinton is proposing a tax cut that makes her sound like a Republican. But even worse, cutting the federal gasoline tax would also cut billions of dollars out of road construction projects at a time when Gov. Granholm has been accelerating road projects to create more Michigan jobs.

Apparently, Clinton needs a few more votes and she will do anything to get them including helping to destroy Michigan jobs.

Obama is right on about this one. We need a real national energy program, not another quick fix. At a time when GM is announcing thousands of more Michigan layoffs, the last thing we need is a Republican style proposal from a Democrat.

Rich Republicans Could Kill Part of Isabella County's Economic Future

2008-04-27T08:23:00.008-04:00

When the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe recently purchased the Mt. Pleasant Holiday Inn, it was surprising, but perhaps understandable that tribal officials decided to stop paying the lodging tax that funds our local tourism promotion.

The tribe has been spending millions of dollars to promote the Soaring Eagle Casino that attracts tens of thousands of tourists to come to Isabella County every day. Most are day-trippers that come by the carload and bus load and spend money here, not just at the casino. Other businesses like restaurants, gas stations, golf courses and specialty shops all benefit from the promotion of tourism. Although some visitors come here to only visit the casino, many other casino visitors spend money in our local establishments.

National studies and studies by the Michigan State University, in fact, show that for every dollar a community spends on promoting tourism, it comes back to the community many times over. The only disagreement is how large that multiplier really is. The lowest figures we've seen are a $2.28 return for every tourism promotion dollar spent, but some studies indicate it is many times that when all factors are considered including the multiplier effect on a local economy when new money is brought into a community.

But here in Isabella County, we now have a prominent Republican family, the LaBelles, telling Isabella County they too are opting out of paying the lodging tax that funds the Mt. Pleasant Convention and Visitors Bureau. Since we are talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars of lost revenues from the Holiday Inn and now the LaBelle-owned Comfort Inn and Fairfield Inn, what we are talking about is killing the Mt. Pleasant Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Perhaps, the second-generation LaBelles are not as astute as their dad and forgot that only tourists pay for that lodging tax and not them. Perhaps their accountants are looking at declining revenues because the LaBelles now have formidable competition locally, or perhaps they are simply like many other Republican business people -- they don't care about what happens to their local community. All they care about is how much money they get to take home.

A simple solution for short-sighted folks who don't understand they are part of a community is to make the lodging tax mandatory. Do you suppose that hotel owners in Frankenmuth and Mackinaw City want to destroy their local tourism promotion agencies?

Do you suppose economic development officials there think it is a bad idea to promote an industry that brings in millions of dollars to their community?

I can imagine next that the LaBelles will want to opt out of the fees that finance our 911 service and taxes that pay for police and fire protection.

Isabella County has a bright future if we all wake up to the fact that tourism can play a significant role in our economic development and rather than cutting our efforts to promote it, we should be working together to make it more effective.

Blame The Founding Fathers For Michigan-Florida Mess

2008-04-26T09:04:00.002-04:00

The finger pointing is getting tiresome.

Democrats who don't have a clue are blaming the Michigan Democratic Party and then there is Debbie Dingel, Mark Brewer, Governor Granholm and, of course, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama all trying to make sense out of a system created by our founding fathers.

The truth is those founding fathers remarkably created a democracy at a time when monarchs ruled, but it was an imperfect democracy. It has been up to future generations to amend that democracy with the times to make it work and we have now reached a time that challenges us all to take our shot at making it a more perfect democracy.

Those founding fathers didn't imagine that women could vote for the nation's leader, much less become one. A mixed race president would be unbelievable to Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Fortunately, we've made some progress with this imperfect democracy, but it is now clear we need a complete overhaul of both the nominating process and how we vote for president. The electoral college is a ridiculous waste of time and money. So is the nominating process. But change doesn't come unless things get really bad and the time is here.

Our Michigan Democratic leaders wanted to bring attention to our flawed democracy, but could not have imagined the end results of those efforts. They have succeeded beyond their imaginations because we are seeing history in the making.

So let's make history. Our history. We are the new founders. Let us create that more perfect union and let us encourage Mark, Debbie, Jennifer and Howard to help us do what we can't do ourselves. Find a solution that works better for our times. We will help them get it implemented.

What we have now isn't working. We all know that. I know what I am doing to fix what needs fixing about the Democratic Party and politics where I live, but if all YOU are doing is complaining about this imperfect system instead of doing something about it, I am sympathetic with all the complaints and blaming, but still wonder if more of us got REALLY involved we could do more.

Progressives joining forces makes me very hopeful. That's one of the reasons I am looking forward to the Michigan Policy Summit. We are all working on fixing this mess the founding fathers handed over to us. This could be the year for the great changes we now know we need.

Blame it all on the founding fathers, but let's all get to work. This is our year. This is our country. This is our mess to fix.

Mid-Michigan Progressives Heading to Lansing Summit on Saturday May 10

2008-04-24T16:40:00.003-04:00

Can you imagine what might happen if ordinary people working on progressive issues all got together from all over Michigan and came up with an agenda for change and shared ideas to make our state one that cares more about people than corporations?

Join our caravan of progressive friends heading to the Michigan Policy Summit on Saturday, May 10 and find out.

Organizers of the event are making the second annual event even better than the first with the addition of two national progressive heroes, Amy Goodman and Jim Hightower.

Since the ICDP managed to get Amy on the air beamed out to the 60,000 households in Clare, Gratiot and Isabella Counties some 16 months ago, Goodman's Democracy Now TV show is the lone voice of reason in our media wasteland. While it is nice to have Amy and co-host Juan Gonzales beamed Monday through Friday live from New York on Channel 3, getting to see her live and in person just an hour away is something else. She will be the morning keynote speaker.

Amy inspired us to develop our own progressive TV show, Democracy Matters that appears every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday on MAC3-TV in our 3-county area and now in some other Michigan counties. Our 12th show currently airing features Central Michigan University Political Scientist Sterling Johnson and local feminist activist Linda Mason discussing the presidential race. ICDP-TV will also be bringing a camera along to capture some highlights of the annual event.

At lunch time at the May 10 progressive talkfest, Jim Hightower, the iconic Texas maverick whose books are among those featured at the free library at our ICDP Mount Pleasant office will have a few nasty words to say about the corporate SOB's who think they own our country.

This once a year opportunity to get together with activist mavericks from around the state joined by folks from education, labor, the environmental movement, and politicians who give a damn should be one of the most delightful events you have ever been to. The first one was great, this second one should be better.

Those who need a ride or can give a ride please call John Barker at 989-400-6454. You can expect to leave our area in the 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. time frame to get there in time.

Registration which includes lunch is just $30 and is easily done online by clicking on the headline above or right here.

Remind Our Democratic Leaders We Care About Clean Water in Mid-Michigan

2008-04-24T10:57:00.010-04:00

Just how important are our rivers and lakes to you? Can you do something simple right now to save some of our area's greatest water resources? Yes, you can.

Earth Day doesn't need to be the only day we think about the environment especially when we are facing some major public policy decisions that affect our region of the state.

Right now our friends in Midland and Saginaw Counties need our help by signing a simple online petition that will be presented to our Governor and our two US Senators asking for their support to clean up the mess created by the Dow Chemical Company.

It will just take a few seconds to lend your voice to the online petition and if you want to read more about it before you sign, please take the time. Click on the headline above or right here to add your voice to make sure that Dow Chemical is forced to do the right thing.

Dow Chemical at first denied they caused the problem, then claimed it wasn't as bad as we "tree-huggers" claimed and now that it has been proven that Dow pollution is among the worst in America they want to minimize the cost to the company. They have lost the court battles, but they still hope to win at the negotiation table with officials who are our friends.

Taxpayers should not have to pay for the mess Dow created. Our Democratic leaders need to stand up to Dow and we need to remind them why we elected them.

Just do it.

Clinton's 'Bitter Politics' Likely to Backfire

2008-04-13T12:20:00.005-04:00

Barack is right about being bitter. He has represented my feelings all along. I think Hillary is using the Karl Rove mentality against her own party. She is the one that is always harping on the things Barack says. I think he is correct--ask the people who are losing their jobs and their unemployment has run out. That's hundreds of thousands of people. They are indeed bitter. Ask the people about the war, they are indeed bitter. Ask them about wasting money on the war and putting our children and grandchildren in debt for years. Yes, they are indeed bitter. Ask them about the crimes of the Bush years. Yes, they are indeed bitter. Why doesn't Hillary get that?

Hillary's poorly managed campaign staff is struggling and seems to need to go negative using Karl Rovian tactics. But when Hillary brings attention to Barack's problems, the media directs all the attention to him again--so her team of advisors doesn't seem to get it -- that they are just giving Barack another opportunity to show his finesse.

I know as a person, I can't control the thoughts, actions or expressions of people I associate with. When Hillary says she just wouldn't go to that church if someone like Barack's pastor was there or would walk out if he talked like that--that shows me she is closed minded and isn't interested to hear others views.

She is a good politician, but seems to be missing an opportunity to run as a woman. Is that because she is afraid to address feminism or is it because she has sold out--where are the speeches about equal pay for equal work, the speeches about quality day care for working mothers, the list is long. Has she become just one of the good old boys?

Barack has already given his race speech. So where's the gender speech from Hillary? Seems her campaign staff believes bitter politics gets more votes, but that can backfire too, because many of us women support Barack without consideration for his race or gender. He's an incredibly intelligent candidate with a better vision for our country. Hillary is good, but Barack is simply better.

Not All Men Who Oppose Clinton Are Sexist Pigs, But Clinton Supporters Should Do the Math

2008-04-13T08:20:00.003-04:00

GeneG and the references to the Cleveland Plains Dealer article in the previous post raised some good points about some sexist pundits and how they treat a female candidate, but I have to wonder just how much the comments have to do with the author's own slights in the past.

It's obvious that many career women and perhaps the Cleveland writer have strong emotions and harsh feelings about how they may have been treated in the past including being passed over for promotions, etc. It's perfectly understandable that some women feel a special bond when they feel that Hillary is also being slighted and unfairly attacked.

But not all of the men who feel Obama is the better 0f the two candidates are male chauvinist pigs. GeneG glibly suggests that only women can multi-task and I happen to think that is a sexist remark. As a father of two 30-something daughters, I am pleased they and their friends have not had to fight as hard to get ahead as their mothers. Yes, sexism in America is not dead yet and it would be nice to see a good woman in the White House, but it is highly unlikely right now.

The male candidate in this race quite simply has run a masterful campaign. The female candidate's campaign is desperate and has been poorly run. The Obama campaign has had its setbacks, but it has come back. The race speech was a stunning and perhaps historic accomplishment alone. The fund raising and voter targeting of the Obama campaign have been superb. He didn't have to loan his campaign money.

But it all comes down to the math. The rules as they stand now, assuming they won't be broken to make Hillary our candidate, are a tally of delegates. The Obama campaign has mastered the rules so well and the math too that despite Clinton's popular vote lead in Texas, Obama still walked away with more delegates in Texas. On a level playing field where everyone knows the rules AND abides by them Obama will take the nomination.

But don't take my word for it. Do the math yourself using the CNN delegate counter tool for the next ten states and let me know if you can come up with a logical scenario where Clinton can get the required 2024 delegates to take the nomination away from Obama. Here is the link to the CNN delegate counter. Just slide the little bar to how you think the vote might come out for each remaining state contest and see what delegate tally you get. Try different scenarios.

Sorry, Clinton supporters. It really is over even if Hillary takes Pennsylvania and North Carolina. All Obama has to do is stay close and Hillary doesn't have a chance. Unless we break the rules.

Any Hillary supporters want to break the rules to take the nomination away from an erudite mixed race candidate who has inspired millions of young people to rejoin the party ranks?

Come on guys, lighten up!

2008-04-11T13:01:00.004-04:00

I know this blog is leaning heavily toward Obama, but I have worked too long for the rights of women to put up with idea that he is the answer to all our problems. Give me a person who can multi-task!

Think about checking this article written by Connie Schultz in the Cleveland Plain Dealer entitled, "Men, it's not your place to tell Clinton to quit the race," in April 6, 2008 issue.

I cannot believe the level of misogyny present among the pundits in this race against Clinton. I have wondered just what woman could run and not raise the hackles of these same men. When did you hear the clothing, voice, haircuts among other things criticized in male candidates? One pundit suggested the other day she only became senator in NY because of her association with Bill. There are a number of women in the Senate now who were elected on their own, including her.

Now mind you I am sure that they will be after Obama on another whole list of things if he is candidate.

GeneG.

Obama Meetup

2008-04-10T18:58:00.003-04:00

There will be an “Obama Meetup” on Monday, April 21, 7:00pm, in the Isabella County Building. It will take place in room#225.

Although the pundits are sure that Pennsylvania will be the determining factor in choosing the Democratic candidate, if we have learned anything from this election cycle it would be to expect surprises. Whether or not you are already an Obama supporter (which I am), it might be interesting for you to attend to find out why your friends and neighbors are already in his camp. I hope to see you there.

Senator: Budget likely to be finished by July 1

2008-03-29T14:59:00.003-04:00

This is worth a sigh of relief following last year's intense budget battle:

The Senate finished a productive week in Lansing, finishing 7 of 8 budget bills. While the spotlight has been on the Mayor of Detroit and the Presidential Campaign, Michigan legislators have been quietly doing our jobs. In March, we moved the budget bills through subcommittees, full Appropriations committees, and finally through the full Senate this week. We reached consensus on most budgets. Even when we did have disagreements, particularly on the K-12 School Aid Budget and the Community Health Budget, we kept the debate on the issues and not on a partisan or personal basis.

...

We are on target to finish our budget ahead of time this year, well before July 1st. You may recall that we didn’t finish last year until November, and the Government actually shut down for a few hours in October before we could reach any agreements. The constant bickering, the all-night sessions, the dueling press conferences are all so last year.

There is a new spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between the parties and the chambers this year. It’s like when you finally have the big fight in the schoolyard, the antagonists bloody each other up and then become friends.

It is kind of like that in the Michigan Legislature. Once you’ve gone through an ordeal like last year’s battle, you know whom you can trust and you also gain respect and understanding of where colleagues are coming from. Even when you disagree, you find a way to argue without losing your temper. You concentrate reaching a conclusion, not fighting for its own sake.

Alan Cropsey was in my class last Monday. He agreed that lawmakers will probably be done with the budget around the Fourth of July.

George Bush– A Funny Kind of Christian

2008-03-23T14:12:00.004-04:00

On this most Christian of holidays, it seems appropriate to have a message from a Vicar in England who writes about George Bush’s version of Christianity. You can find the article here,

Take note: if you prefer to spend your Easter thinking about Easter eggs, white lilies, the Easter bunny (all, by the way, symbols of the goddess of fertility, Eoster), this is not the article for you.

If, on the other hand, you are concerned about a president who has no problem with removing the wall of separation between church and state and using religion for political ends, or being the first (and hopefully the last) American president to tout the benefits of torture, then you might find the good Vicar’s comparison of water-boarding and the crucifixion to be most fitting.

Peace.

ICDP's Tim Caldwell featured in CM Life article for Vietnam memoirs

2008-03-19T18:23:00.003-04:00

Our own Tim Caldwell - who posts as JT here on the Dispatch - was featured in an article in Central Michigan Life today.

"We live in a society that demands disclosure: This is mine," said Caldwell, a music professor and Vietnam veteran.

Caldwell's book "The Chaplain's Assistant: God, Country, and Vietnam," tells of things that happened to him, other soldiers and things that never really happened during the war.

"That's how I make sense of the world - through writing," Caldwell said.

John Barker is also quoted in the article. I hope to get a copy of the book soon!

The White House is the “White House” For a Reason

2008-03-18T18:58:00.005-04:00

Ever since our government started the white house it has been “White.” Does this eliminate officers of color, or ideas of color? Challenge yourself to see this next election. The White House has always been run by white men. Some historically strong leaders and diplomatic fighters who fought for the common good. It did not matter if they were either Republicans or Democrats. But never have we had so much color in an election, than what we see today.

It’s been a long time since our candidates have dumped millions into a campaign that in the long run will educate and motivate voters, unify all Americans, and challenge the ideals of racism and shovinism. But Americans need to understand that the mainstream media does not care about all that. They don't care about a change or supporting ideas that can help America. All they care about is controversy and viewer ship. You know the "Ballot Bowl" mentality.

But, the Obama Campaign has done their best to avoid the issue of race. Because of ruthless media control over this election, we find Obama addressing the issue like he did today in Philadelphia, I am sure against his own will.

Should that be what his possible nomination pivots on? Should we let the ignorant conservative radio talk shows blast this issue out on our airways? Blasting Obama about his relationship with his church pastor? The answer is no. But I need not explain the reasons why. All you had to do was listen to his speech today and how he handled it. It could not have been explained so eloquently.

The question is, are Americans going to try new colors or not? Being part of America (one of the most wonderful democracies in the world) it is possible to make a color change. But let's make that choice to change the White House without the question of the racial divide. Let's focus on the issues of slain service men and women trapped in an immoral war. The need for health care systems that reach out to everyone in need. The need to repair the degradation of our constitution that this current administration has brought us. Lets not let the White House just be a symbol of nepotism, patriarchy, and white power. The White House is the "White House" for a reason. But today that reason is in question. Finally it is. We need to embrace this opportunity to unify Americans of all colors. And yes, something is in the air! That is the element of change. A color change that is!

Andrew Thibodeau
Political Advisor for the ICDP

Isabella County Dems Vote for Do-Over

2008-03-07T07:37:00.002-05:00

At their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, members of the Isabella County Democratic Party voted in favor of a resolution asking state and national party leaders to hold either a caucus or primary to select Michigan's delegation to the national party convention in August in order to restore party unity.

After a lively discussion at the Isabella County Office Building, the resolution approved by a majority voice vote of those local party members in attendance at the March meeting read in its entirety:

In the interests of fairness and of not changing the rules of the game during the process of selecting the Democratic Presidential nominee,

AND

In support of party unity that will be indispensable for waging the November 2008 Presidential election campaign,

The Isabella County Democratic Party hereby resolves that national and state Democratic Party leaders should work together to devise and implement either caucuses or a primary for the purpose of selecting Michigan's delegates to the 2008 national convention.

The vote on the resolution came after a prolonged discussion of the dilemma the Michigan Democratic Party finds itself in after a confusing January 15 state primary that now has national party leaders refusing to seat a disputed Michigan delegation in August.

Isabella County Dems will be hosting the Fourth Congressional District Convention on March 29 and local party members wondered whether the effort later in the month would still be going ahead and have any meaning at all. The district conventions are part of the process to select which individual party members will actually get to attend the convention in Denver.

"Is this going to a supercilious exercise?" County Commissioner Chairman David Ling wondered about the March 29 event. Ling, the county's highest local elected Democratic official, got his answer from others in the room when it was clear that noone really knew as the drama about Michigan and Florida continues to unfold.

The ICDP meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in Room 225 at the Isabella County Office Building in downtown Mount Pleasant.

Dave Camp Scores Perfect Zero on the Environment

2008-03-04T09:01:00.003-05:00

Rep. Dave Camp, the Congressional champion of the Dow Chemical Company, has had a perfect record of defending our area's worst polluter and now comes official word on just how bad a Congressman he really has been for the environment.

The League of Conservation Voters, an independent watchdog on environmental issues has just issued its latest National Environmental Scorecard that rates Camp a perfect zero, a distinction that only he earned for his dismal environmental voting record. That's right, no other Michigan member of Congress earned a perfect zero.

Many of our Democratic friends continue to vote for Dave because they "don't think he is THAT bad." Well, my friends, Camp is as bad as it gets.

When it comes to voting for the rich and powerful, Rubber Stamp Camp is always there. When it comes to supporting the Bush administration and Halliburton, you can count on Dave's vote.

But when it comes to clean energy, preserving our natural heritage and saving our planet, Dave Camp votes against it -- not just some of it -- but ALL of it.

Here's a complete rundown of the LCV scores for Michigan's Congressional delegation.

Clinton Campaign Now Just Spitting Into The Winds of Change

2008-03-01T09:18:00.003-05:00

Hillary Clinton is a strong admirable woman who fought the good fight for a while, but the campaign now for the Democratic presidential nomination is no longer about her or Obama, if it ever really was.

There is a new wind blowing in America that has more to do with the gross injustices of the Bush administration than it has to do with Hillary or Barack. Tax cuts for the rich, high prices for the drug companies that pillage pocketbooks of poor seniors, a war for profiteers, secret energy polices written by oil and energy price gougers and the list of greed goes on. And people --most of us -- feel we have had enough of the race, sex and other divisions and it is time to focus on where the problems really are.

We don't need a wind vane to show us which way the winds of change are blowing, but Obama is hang gliding with the wind and the Clinton campaign is spitting into it. Why doesn't she see that?

She didn't notice the wind change as early as the rest of us. But she is not alone.

The Benefit of Barack’s Youthful Magnetism

2008-02-24T14:36:00.019-05:00

All politicians follow a script. A block set of stump lines in their minds. A stance they repeat over and over again with out precise details. But they give us dreams and visions of what America can be. And like sports, they get us talking and we side with our favorites.

Some though choose not to have a favorite, or choose not to care enough to investigate sides. Some choose to not even learn what the difference is between Democrat and Republican. They don’t have faith or concern, because they are seeing politics having no connection to their daily lives. They have seen what eight years of a bad politician can do, and they get discouraged.

Perhaps it's because there is the loss of creative idealism in politics. Or is it the youthful impulsiveness that is missed? People want things to be pragmatic, and mundane. You start talking big ideas and you get road blocks voiced to you quickly. Or, the degrading bad liberal finger pointing. Surely, for these reasons people change the channel and fail to get engaged.

The Barack Obama campaign though, overcomes these pitfalls, and then benefits from their choice to do so consequently. The opposition only can disagree with him because of his so called vagueness, and his youthfully dreamy campaign lacking experience.

Barack brings us a different politics. One that is young and new in places in between, offering the crazy idea of bringing government to the people. He offers to disclose the White House to the citizens, letting them know exactly what is going on. This shady concept of getting people involved in “the change" has people talking. An Idea that was not considered as an endeavor in the Clinton or past Bush campaigns.

Regardless of the political game that we see being played, who wins wins. That individual becomes one of the most powerful people in the world. At times this scares grown ups, because they can’t conceptualize a turn around. They either fear that Obama would let us down, or do something risky with all these substanceless ideas that will hurt America even more.

But Obama is still winning regardless, strangely getting more mature voters
too. He achieves this with a strait record of voting against and opposing what got America into trouble to begin with. He goes after the young creative minds that have not been spoiled yet from years of conservative rules. From there he draws them into his campaign. Youthful and steadfast like Bobby was.

Even despite Barack's admittance to drug use in his teens, he is a success. And he is not afraid to share that part of his life with you regardless of risking political suicide. He is confident enough to climb that wall. Youth can learn from him. They don’t learn anything nor do they trust a guy like Bush who lied about his youth. They would not learn anything meaningful from his stories anyway, of Yale parties and getting away with fraternity mischief.

Simply, Barrack Obama comes off as a mentor and a as a bit of a hero to our youth in this decade. And his youth works to his advantage. What a political rebel he is. There is a magnetism that revolves around him. A macrocosm from the heart that pulls in young people spreading a vibrant, dashing, colorful variance. Reaching out -- something the other politicians can't offer during this time of need, or can't offer as well as Obama . Something that gets us all excited about politics once again. And amazingly he could very well be our next Commander-in-Chief. Do you have butterflies in the stomach like I do?

Andrew Thibodeau
Poitical Advisor for the ICDP

New York Times McCain Story Not About Sex - It's About Illegal and Inappropriate Actions of a US Senator on Behalf of a Lobbyist

2008-02-23T18:09:00.004-05:00

Readers of a 3,000 word New York Times story on Thursday might have been surprised to read that John McCain, the likely nominee of the formerly-grand old party was a bit of a schmuck. But there was a lot more to the story that the rest of the media could have fleshed out if they did their homework.

The Times story indicated some possible hanky-panky with a female lobbyist, but if you only read the MSM (mainsteam media), without reading the actual Times story, it's about the sex, not the corruption.

But the truth appears to be that McCain went over and above the rules at the request of the attractive lobbyist representing Paxton Communications. Paxton wanted a favorable ruling from the FCC on the purchase of a broadcasting station and McCain wrote letters to the FCC in Paxton's favor. But the letters were unusual, inappropriate, ill-timed and illegal.

As always, Amy Goodman's daily alternative media program, Democracy Now, did a much better job of filling in the details and revealed that the letters sent by McCain violated FCC rules -- they were illegal intrusion by the man who held fiscal sway over the FCC. Here is what a person on the other side of the battle had to say on the Amy Goodman show Friday morning about the letters:

"So the FCC rules explicitly prohibit communications that go to the merits or communications that go to urging the FCC to act by a specific date. So this was a clear violation of the FCC’s rules. And on December 20th, we actually filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission’s general counsel, alleging that he (McCain) had violated the rules, and we asked for them to act on it right away. They did not. However, eventually, in August of 2000, they did rule that the senator had violated the rules."

The NYT itself seemed to take a bit softer stance, letting the readers judge the facts as they had them thus far. In the opinion of the NYT's Public Editor, the person charged with responding to reader complaints and the paper's practices, the McCain story had more to do with a national official who was careless in how he conducted the public's business and he had this to say about what the Times editor told him:

BILL KELLER, the executive editor of The Times, said the article about John McCain that appeared in Thursday’s paper was about a man nearly felled by scandal who rebuilt himself as a fighter against corruption but is still “careless about appearances, careless about his reputation, and that’s a pretty important thing to know about somebody who wants to be president of the United States.”

If you are a Republican and you cheat on your wife, it's apparently OK as long as long as you marry that person and make her your next wife, just like Rudy Guilliani.

And just because McCain only got his hands slapped as a member of the Keating Five in the 1989 savings and loan scandal, doesn't mean he is the squeaky clean guy he likes to see himself as.

John McCain is now declining to comment any further on the matter and ironically even Rush Limbaugh is defending McCain now. If the Times had the story it must be wrong, the right wing wackos seem to feel. A week earlier McCain was too liberal.

I just can't wait to see if the MSM is really going to do its job or whether the rest of the story will come from the alternative media.

There is a lot more there there.

Now We Can Go See Dr. Wal-Mart

2008-02-19T18:29:00.002-05:00

As health care concerns reach their zenith in this country, Wal-Mart has once again brilliantly added a new dimension to their business. They now are offering walk in health clinics in their stores. They plan on opening 400 co-branded convenient clinics by 2010.

Now, not only can we buy cheap goods, but we can receive cheap health care too! And that is what we are looking for right? It is a clever offer what Wal-Mart is doing, just like they did with the hurricane effort. They come to the rescue, a public relations ploy. Its nice what they did for New Orleans but they would not have done it if it did not make them money. If they wanted to do something about health care in the country they would offer coverage to all their employees. Now they see a nation in dire need of a better health care system and they capitalize off it. Offering cheap coverage right in their stores. Bringing in more potential costumers.

Not only has Wal-Mart managed to cheapen labor by averting unions but now they offer a cheap doctor's office. This is a brilliant public relations ploy in the midst of an election stressing the need for a new health care program. You can bet that people will utilize these offices too. Again Wal-Mart takes advantage of the poor and still looks good in the public eye for what they do for America.

But yes, we want to lower health care costs in this county, but do we want to make the service cheap? Do we want Wal-Mart as a provider? Do you want your children getting the best doctors or cheap ones? Some don't have a choice who are uninsured. Wal-Mart’s walk-in clinics are often run by independent entrepreneurs with little or no experience in health care.

Just goes to show how big the Wal-Mart Corporation is. That they can even tap into a nation's health care crisis. How scary that is.

Andrew Thibodeau
Political Advisor for the ICDP

The "Hope" Factor of the Obama Campaign

2008-02-17T13:56:00.005-05:00

We all go through life with challenges. Whether it is a broken relationship, mourning victims of college shootings, financial set backs, a bad addiction, legal problems, academic mistakes, layoffs, and so fourth. All these are conditions that we may have to endure at some point or another in our lives. And on rainy days they can drag us down and depress us. It is at these times when we could care less about politics.

But not today! Today we can look to the exiting Democratic race where Mr. Obama can be seen running away with the election. Something we never thought possible. It gives us personal hope as individual Americans. To think that the impossible can be achieved at times in our lives where hopelessness drains us of progressive ideas. Obama gives us something interesting to chat about in the community. He has us talking as he is winning the fight.

He had to go through life with challenges too. And perhaps he is in the midst of his biggest challenge right now. Running with his own name, running as an African American, and enduring political nepotism. But, he still stands tall on the stump delivering a message of hope with confidence. And we see this and say, wow he is a good speaker. It becomes difficult for us to reject the delivery of an idealism that will change America. Because of this I believe he is winning.

We can look up to him and believe in a better life. It is possible. We can go through life with challenges too. And yes, we can win and change too! It’s the Obama "hope" factor. We have never had anything like this before. A good guy is winning! And the sun will shine again like it always does.

Andrew Thibodeau
Political Advisor for the ICDP

Superdelegates Could Decide Who Will Be the Democratic Candidate

2008-02-14T22:08:00.004-05:00

That strange duck, a “superdelegate,” could be the deciding factor in whether Clinton or Obama will be the Democratic candidate. Who can be a superdelegate? Current or former elected officeholders and party officers. They are not selected through primaries or caucuses.

What makes them “super” is that they are automatically seated at the convention and are officially uncommitted. They are, in fact, the product of the reformation of the candidate selection process that occurred a couple of decades ago when the party was forced to give more “power to the people.” Superdelegates represent the party establishment and control up to 40 percent of the vote. I’ll write that again: 40 percent of the vote.

MoveOn.org has taken up the challenge to the prerogatives of the superdelegates by circulating a petition that will be printed in USA Today. Both the Obama and Clinton camps are pressuring the superdelegates for their support. The petition will demand that the superdelegates adhere to the will of the voters in their respective states. The next president of the United States will probably be a Democrat. Sign the petition and demand that the candidate is the one selected by Democrats in state primaries and caucuses and not just the party establishment.

You can sign the petition here

Hillary Would Lose a Real Michigan Contest - January Vote Does Not Represent Us

2008-02-14T07:24:00.004-05:00

At this point conducting a Michigan caucus or do-over of the January fiasco is probably meaningless and perhaps impractical. But there is no way the result in January reflects the true wishes of Michigan Democrats.

Yes, for the first time in my life I crossed over and voted in the Republican primary just like thousands of other Democrats did because I believed the Democratic National Party that the January primary was meaningless because no delegates would be seated.

As a former Kucinich supporter turned Edwards supporter, it didn't matter to me anyway, but I would not have voted for a non-progressive Democrat, male or female and it irked me quite a bit that that woman is now claiming she won a majority of our state delegates. She didn't then and couldn't now in any kind of do-over. For Clinton to lay claim to our unrepresentative delegates now that the race is close is pathetic.

If Obama and Clinton both campaigned in Michigan it is my humble opinion that Obama would have won -- plain and simple and he will win if we do have a state caucus or other re-do.

I still hang on to this crazy notion even though a majority of folks may not agree with my politics, we should still respect their feelings in an untainted and un-rigged election. The will of the people is kind of an old fashioned notion, but one I happen to cling to. The January vote did not represent the will of the people.

Of course, none of this will likely matter anyway if the Obama steam roller racks up more victories.

Michigan Democratic reformers though didn't have much to lose by moving the primary up despite the threat of disbarment from the convention. In past presidential elections Michigan Democrats didn't have any role in choosing our candidate.

So nothing has changed. Perhaps we can do better in 2012.

We Still Want Justice - Bush, Cheny and Co. Need Jail Time

2008-02-13T22:24:00.003-05:00

Perhaps I should be euphoric -- as many other Democrats are -- now that it appears that we are headed to almost certain victory this November in the contest for the White House. But I've said it before as this year began and I say it again -- Bush and Cheney and their accomplices need to be brought to justice.

I am not normally a vindictive person, but when a President and his administration lies us into a war that has killed and maimed tens of thousands of people and robbed our national treasury while enriching their friends, I simply cannot imagine nothing will be done about it. I can't imagine that an administration that has destroyed our national honor and reputation in the world with violations of national and international law could simply walk away as if nothing has happened.

Up to this point I have not heard one question in any of the dozens of debates about the high crimes and misdemeanors of the Bush administration and what is to become of them. The MSM is not likely to bring it up. Yes, we know impeachment has been put off the table for action, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be discussing what should happen in lieu of impeachment.

My own preference is for an international tribunal -- an impartial look at the Bushco misdeeds after the Obama or Clinton administration takes office.

Maybe someone somewhere will raise this simple question to our two remaining Presidential candidates -- What do you think should be done about the impeachable offenses of the Bush administration?

Democracy Matters Episode 11 Features John Freeman

2008-02-12T01:04:00.000-05:00

The ICDP-TV production Democracy Matters will begin airing its latest show beginning on Tuesday Feb. 12 on Charter Channel 3 in Clare, Gratiot and Isabella Counties at 8:30 p.m. The new show features John Freeman who discusses the ballot initiative for universal health care in Michigan with host John Dinse and regular panelist Charles Novitski.

Freeman, chairman of the Michigan Health Care Security Campaign, won the endorsement of the ICDP at the February meeting for the ballot initiative which would change the state Constitution and require the state legislature to come up with a plan to make sure all Michigan residents had access to health care. More than a million Michiganders today have no health insurance. In Episode 11 of Democracy Matters, Freeman explains why the reform is necessary to assure Michigan's economic health as well as health care for all residents.

For those who do not have access to cable TV in our area, all of our shows are also available on Google Video. Just scroll down click on the video links to the left. If you missed the discussion of the presidential race with CMU Political Science Professor Chris Owen on Episode 10, check it out also on Google Video. The lower resolution format is below and a higher resolution format is available on the link to the left.

Democracy Matters Episode 10 on Presidential Race

2008-02-11T18:17:00.001-05:00

CMU Political Science Professor Chris Owens joins our panel to discuss the presidential race on Democracy Matters 11th show.

The Socialist Con and Snow Removal

2008-02-06T18:28:00.000-05:00

We all know what community is. We all understand what it means to have good neighbors that lend a hand once in a while. We operate on a truth bias as honest Americans, always willing to
lend a helping hand, or as Gordon Lightfoot put it, "to pity the stranger that stands at our door."

This kind of communal behavior is best seen when a huge snow storm hits Mid Michigan. Piles of white build in seconds making forsome, life hell. But in this white blizzard after Super Tuesday politics, we see people helping one another. Shoveling snow and snow blowing. Clearing the extra path for the old lady or offering some salt to a neighbor. Its all in the good hearted community spirit when confronted with such a strong, unprepared for, snowfall.

But at the same time the Socialist Con exists according to our right wing analysts. The liberal with the dangerous ideas. The leading Republican, how he is too liberal. Rush Limbaugh (still aired on several stations throughout Michigan) Will rant and rave about how evil social
and communal idealism is. That liberals are conning you to believe in a path of lawlessness and free living, he contends. But what he still does not understand is that overall, communal living
is all part of Americana.

As my neighbor seasonally maintains his John Deere snow blower, ready at any time to gear up to clear my parents driveway expecting nothing in return, I see and witness characteristics of socialism. And from acquiring a degree in sociology, I can point out some Marxism too. All in regards to how Americans behave in a community. Its this American spirit that ceases to amaze me every time. Its a spirit I share and its the heartbeat of social politics.

The point is, in times of uncontrollable treacherous weather we come together as Americans and neighbors to help. It's our basic nature. People come together to remove snow. We all show characteristics of socialism working this way as part of a community, we are not trying to con
anyone.

Andrew Thibodeau
Political Avisor for the ICDP

Michigan, Social Inequality, and Rugged Individualism

2008-02-02T15:23:00.000-05:00

I can remember an undergraduate class I had on social inequality. I recall one student's explanation for unequal opportunities, one you hear often. Some people still don't understand the main point.

Its not that we all have good opportunities available as Americans, but it’s the scarcity of these opportunities in select socioeconomic areas that is important. Understanding that things are different in less fortunate areas is the key to understanding social inequality and the farce of the Horatio Alger Theory.

The student in my class wanted to claim that universal equal opportunity already exists throughout America. He used, as an example, his own experience of how much money he made running a lawn care business in high school. He said he had no problems finding work, building accounts, and maintaining the reputation of a professional entrepreneur. He believed that work can always be found if you want to work, and generally for those who are poor, it's their own fault. It turns out this individual grew up in the Grosse Point Shores area of Michigan; know as an upper class aristocratic area north of Detroit.

Where people live and parent's income does have an impact on an individual's upper mobility, and opportunities that are available. It helps explain statistically the probability of success for most young people. Going from rags to riches is harder to do than going from rich to richer. In fact, it's rare to see a large number of our inner city youth make it to the top.

So, when we visit the polls or engage in political arguments, remember the explanation for poverty like the one mentioned by the undergraduate in my class. The one that claims rugged individualism is all that matters -- that poverty is the fault of the individual alone.

Of course, striving for a better life and working to achieve it are part of the American Dream. But please understand that not everyone is gifted, wealthy, had responsible parents, were talented, or even mentally stable from growing up underprivileged. Poverty and homelessness are not excusable nor can they be pushed aside by explaining that people are just lazy. Decades of studies in the social sciences have provided us with empirical evidence to suggest otherwise. These studies conclude that the social and political arrangements of society maintain such a balance between rich and poor.

Now, in this great state the divide between our citizens is becoming more apparent. Social inequality has finally emerged in this election to be a serious challange, a reality that we cannot avoid, nor should we hide from. We need to develop a collective understanding that rugged individualism is a major part of the American work ethic, but at the same time it is not a good explanation for social inequality and poverty in Michigan.

We have to take this new understanding to the polls and vote democratic for a change that invites all citizens to a life with more available opportunities. This election is not just about you or me -- it's about all of us.

Andrew Thibodeau
Political Advisor for the ICDP

2008-01-30T22:32:00.000-05:00

Mount Pleasant Should Model San Diego Public Transit Systems

Upon returning from the San Diego area, I realized that rather then it just being colder here; the San Diego area had one of the best transit systems that I have ever utilized in an urban area. I have traveled to many cities like Chicago, Boston, and New York where I have used many different transit systems. I found though, that the San Diego area arguably has one of the best transit systems in the country. Using the coaster, trolley, or propane powered bus to transport people, the system was very
efficient and effective in moving citizens all over southern California.

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System or MTS highlights that public transit can provide numerous benefits for the environment and help eliminate the high costs of owning and operating a personal vehicle. The following facts are some examples of how Public Transit can be a “smart move.”

• A typical family can save more than $6,000 per year if just one person uses public transportation.
• Saving one gallon of gas eliminates 19 pounds of carbon emissions.
• Public transportation produces 95% less carbon monoxide for every passenger mile traveled.
• Annually, in the United States, public transit saves more than 855 million gallons of gasoline or about 45 million barrels of oil which is equal to about one month of oil imports from Saudi Arabia.
• In 2006, there were 10.1 billion trips taken on public transportation, the highest in 49 years.
• Compared to private vehicles, public transportation produces nearly 50 percent less carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide per passenger mile.
• U.S. public transportation systems save 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline every year, the equivalent of 108 million cars filling up in a year.
• The Federal Transportation Administration values the aggregate benefits from transit related congestion relief provided by Public Transit at $19.4 Billion annually.

Michigan is far behind other states in modernizing transit systems that are effective in distributing workers, families, and citizens to various areas within towns and cities. A healthy transit system (besides just busses) can bring commerce to Michigan’s urban areas and districts. Thinking locally I came up with a model idea that would help describe the utility of a short trolley system right here in Mt. Pleasant.

If the City could harness some type of state bond or the money needed to create a small trolley, it could functionally transport people from the CMU campus to the downtown business district. Its benefits would be plenty. Some of these benefits would include bringing more business and activity to the downtown area, reducing the dangers of drinking and driving activity, the encouragement of conservation of fossil fuels, a creation of a number of jobs for the city, incremental building of tax revenue based on user fees, and the establishment of an attractive model system for other towns and cities in Michigan. As a major accredited college institution in this state, Central Michigan could seriously show how transit modernization is possible. A project that could make our engineering department shine cooperatively with the city and the state.

So visualize a colorful short trolley ride from the campus to the downtown business district filled with small shops night life and interesting attractions. All just a five minute ride from campus. The city should consider such a dream.

-Andrew Thibodeau
Political Advisor for the ICDP